After the popularity of seven guarantees, Congress’ poll manifesto which was released on Tuesday has consolidated the party’s position further in assembly elections. However, the biggest question is whether the voters will ensure Congress’ victory despite resentment against the party’s ministers and MLAs.
There is no major resentment against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his government. This may be because of Gehlot’s welfare schemes that the Congress is moving ahead of its opponents. But the public seems to be displeased with the sitting Congress MLAs and ministers. In the manifesto, Congress has made many attractive promises like increasing the insurance amount under Chiranjeevi Yojana from Rs 25 to Rs 50 lakh, jobs for youth, loans for farmers, MSP etc, which directly impacts the public. Congress seems to have maintained the momentum in a positive direction on the ground of these promises.
Is caste politics counterproductive for Congress?
Surprisingly, caste politics is harming the Congress. Candidates from the RLP and ASP alliance, which is emerging as a third front, are causing harm to both Congress and BJP in caste politics. The other castes that remained ignored in ticket distribution are unhappy with the leaders who were fielded on a caste basis in different constituencies.
These ministers and MLAs always tried to capitalise on Congress’ internal turbulence when Gehlot used to be under pressure. Many of these leaders of the Congress were working against the party’s interests after Sachin Pilot’s rebellious gesture over the past three years, while the high command was a mute spectator. However, efforts are now underway to unite the party members. But, there does not seem to be a positive result of these efforts. This is the reason why the BJP is trying to fish in troubled waters.
Why do analysts see BJP’s lead?
Several experts see the BJP in a leading position. The reason for this is resentment against sitting ministers and MLAs. Voters are in no mood to spare the ministers and MLAs. This is a cause of concern for Congress. These ministers and MLAs apologised to the people and now they are trying to seek voteson Gehlot’s schemes.
Former CM and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje is also said to be upset, due to which BJP might not be able to cross the majority mark in Rajasthan assembly polls. It is said that the saffron party might end up getting 90-100 seats, and Congress might be behind BJP by a wafer-thin difference. This is what is creating some sort of confusion. But Gehlot has taken a lead over PM Narendra Modi-led BJP in Rajasthan in the past, and this time, the Congress needs to maintain the momentum that it has achieved over the last three days to emerge victorious.