In the upcoming second phase of elections, four Lok Sabha constituencies have become high-profile seats, with notable candidates vying for victory. Among them are two union ministers, a Lok Sabha Speaker, and the son of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
The contenders include Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Kailash Choudhary, serving union ministers, along with Vaibhav Gehlot and Om Birla.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is contesting from Jodhpur, Kailash Choudhary from Barmer, Om Birla from Kota, and Gehlot from Jalore Sirohi.
In the 2019 elections, Shekhawat secured victory over Vaibhav Gehlot in Jodhpur by a significant margin of 2.74 lakh votes. However, Gehlot is now contesting from the Jalore-Sirohi seat, facing Lumbaram Choudhary from the BJP.
Meanwhile, Kailash Choudhary is in a triangular fight for the Barmer Jaisalmer seat with independent candidates Ravindra Singh Bhati and Umeda Ram Beniwal of the Congress in Barmer. Beniwal's influence within the Jat community adds complexity to the race.
In Jodhpur, the Congress has fielded Karan Singh Uchiyarda, setting the stage for a Rajput versus Rajput contest with implications for the Jat and Vishnoi communities.
Om Birla faces a formidable challenge from Prahlad Gunjal in Kota. Gunjal, a former BJP member, enjoys support from Vasundhara Raje's faction. The contest also involves strategic considerations regarding support from prominent political figures.
In Jalore Sirohi, Vaibhav Gehlot is up against grassroots BJP candidate Lumbaram Choudhary. BJP supporters highlight Choudhary's familiarity with local demographics and his effective campaigning methods.
Meanwhile, Ashok Gehlot, his wife, and his daughter-in-law are camping in Jalore Sirohi and campaigning for Vaibhav.
Both the Congress and the BJP express confidence in their prospects. Congress General Secretary Swarnim Chaturvedi anticipates victories in Barmer, Jodhpur, Kota, and Jalore Sirohi, citing a strong fight despite the BJP's attempts to secure these seats. BJP state Vice President Narayan Panchariya emphasises the party's developmental agenda and trust in Prime Minister Modi's vision for a 'Developed India' by 2047.
The electoral landscape is further shaped by strategic moves, such as the BJP's engagement of prominent figures like PM Modi and Amit Shah in campaigning efforts and Congress' focus on leveraging regional dynamics and woman power represented by Kangana in Mandi. The outcome will be revealed on June 4.
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