Rajasthan: Pro-Congress Shift Evident Amidst Discontent Over Major Welfare Scheme Implementation Failures, Reveals New Survey

Jaipur- A survey conducted by a civil society forum in Rajasthan (Bharat Jodo Abhiyan-Rajasthan) has revealed that many respondents across 16 Lok Sabha constituencies are no longer receiving entitlements or benefits from schemes implemented during the Gehlot Congress Government. This rapid survey utilized a simple IVR methodology, asking participants three questions to gauge the extent of disrupted scheme benefits, identify those deemed responsible, and ascertain voting preferences for the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

The survey found that 56% of respondents attributed the cessation of scheme benefits to the BJP-led state government under Bhajanlal Sharma. Remarkably, four-fifths of respondents reported being affected by the issue, with a notable inclination towards the Congress among those impacted. Specifically, 60% expressed intent to vote for the Congress, compared to only one-third favoring the BJP.

The Banswara Lok Sabha constituency exhibited the most severe disruption in scheme benefits, with 90% of respondents reporting a halt, followed by Bharatpur and Tonk at 86%. Conversely, Alwar showed relatively less impact, with 75% reporting a cessation of benefits from at least one Gehlot government scheme.

The survey sampled 3968 individuals across 16 of the state's 25 Parliamentary Constituencies, representing various regions and slated for both phases of the general elections. Given methodological constraints, no questions regarding respondent profiles were included in the IVR survey.

These findings should be contextualized by the historically observed preference among economically disadvantaged sections, typically favoring the Congress over the BJP. Despite assertions from the BJP government that no welfare schemes have been halted, most respondents indicated non-receipt of benefits. This voting trend among affected beneficiaries was consistent across all constituencies.

Following the BJP's victory in the Assembly elections late last year, several benefits from major schemes under the previous Gehlot-led Congress government ceased, accompanied by changes in scheme names and designs. Affected schemes include social security pensions, Mukhymantri Ayushman Arogya Yojna, Annapoorna food packets, and employment schemes.

The survey received guidance from Prof. Sanjay Lodha, an eminent political analyst, serving as an advisor.