Rajasthan's Congress party faces scrutiny as several of its leaders, including high-profile figures like former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot ,former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and party’s state chief Govind Singh Dotasra opt out of contesting the Lok Sabha elections, raising concerns about the party's strength in the state.
According to Rajasthan Congress General Secretary Swarnim Chaturvedi, the BJP is “spreading the misconception that no senior leader is ready to contest Lok Sabha elections”.
“The BJP workers are spreading a misconception that seniors are not contesting. Former Speaker C.P. Joshi is contesting from Bhilwara and former ministers, including Udailal Anjana, Murari Lal Meena, Bhajan Lal Jatav, Govindram Meghwal, Brijendra Ola and Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, are also contesting elections. They are all senior Congress leaders,” Chaturvedi said.
Chaturvedi stated, "Congress stands strong in Rajasthan, and the BJP won't have an easy victory on all 25 seats this time."
However, three Congress leaders have publicly expressed their reluctance to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Of them, two have withdrawn their candidature while one is still in the contest.
Sunil Sharma, originally slated to contest from Jaipur, offered to return his ticket amid controversy over his alleged association with the 'Jaipur Dialogue', a pro-RSS organization. His ticket was cancelled and former state minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas was given the ticket.
Sudarshan Singh Rawat, nominated from Rajsamand, cited personal reasons for declining to contest. After Rawat’s refusal, Congress fielded Damodar Gurjar, who was earlier the party’s candidate from Bhilwara. The party has now given the Bhilwara ticket to C.P. Joshi.
Brijendra Ola, the Congress candidate from Jhunjhunu, claimed he never sought a ticket but hasn't withdrawn his candidature.
Addressing concerns about these withdrawals, Chaturvedi clarified that Sharma withdrew due to controversy, Rawat cited personal issues, and Ola didn't seek a ticket but contested upon the party's decision.
Meanwhile, Khachariyawas, the Congress candidate from Jaipur, made a statement during his campaign about needing people's support, which some view as conceding weakness.
Chaturvedi attributed this to Khachariyawas's desire to improve his image after losing the Assembly polls due to a perceived high-handed demeanor.
Overall, the withdrawal of key leaders from the contest raises questions about Congress's strategy and cohesion in Rajasthan ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
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