How the INDIA Alliance May Propel Congress to Success in Rajasthan's Lok Sabha Seats

Jaipur- In the political landscape of Rajasthan, where the BJP and Congress have long held sway over Lok Sabha seats, a strategic reconfiguration is on the horizon. The INDIA alliance, spearheaded by the Congress party, is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping electoral dynamics. As the traditional powerhouses face the emergence of a potent Third Front, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state hold the promise of change. Delving into the intricate details, let's explore how this alliance might act as a game-changer for Congress, potentially altering the political narrative in Rajasthan.

In the recent assembly elections, the electoral landscape saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing a notable 41.69% of the vote share, closely followed by the Congress party with a substantial 39.53%. The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) made its presence felt with a commendable 2.39% vote share, highlighting its growing influence. Additionally, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) secured 1.89% and 0.96%, respectively. These percentages reflect the diverse choices made by the electorate and the evolving dynamics of political preferences in the state.

Exploring the dynamics of the Third Front including independent candidates, which has carved a significant niche in the state Assembly elections by securing 15 out of 200 seats, raises the question of its impact on the coveted 25 Lok Sabha seats. While parties like RLP, BAP, BSP, and CPI, constituting the Third Front, haven't made significant inroads into Lok Sabha victories, their influence has been undeniably crucial in shaping outcomes at the Assembly level.

With the BJP holding a lead on only 15 seats based on the votes received in the Assembly elections, Congress sees an opportunity to capitalize on this momentum in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Currently all the 25 seats are held by the BJP. In the upcoming elections, however, the Congress party aspires to usher in a transformative shift by aligning with the Third Front.

A seasoned Congress stalwart hailing from South Rajasthan has hinted at a strategic move within the party's ranks. According to insider information, the Congress is contemplating a tactical decision wherein it may concede few seats to its alliance partners. In exchange for this gesture, the Congress aims to secure robust support on the remaining twelve seats in the upcoming elections.

While the discussions within the India alliance echo through the corridors of power, particularly focusing on the crucial Nagaur, Banswara, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu seats, a high-level committee, led by Mukul Vasnik and featuring former CM Ashok Gehlot, delves into potential changes. Despite the BJP's clean sweep in the previous Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party remains optimistic about altering the political dynamics with the support of allied parties.

The emergence of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) and its ascent to the third position on the Banswara Lok Sabha seat, garnering 4.81 lakh votes across 8 Assembly seats, sparks speculation about its potential impact in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Though BJP currently commands the Banswara Lok Sabha seat, Congress's surge in vote share during the Assembly elections raises questions about the shifting political dynamics.

BAP marked a triumphant performance in the recent state elections, securing victories in three key constituencies - Aspur, Chorasi, and Dhariyawad. BAP emerged as a spoilsport for the political giants in eights seats primarily from the tribal dominant belts of the state. Emboldened by their electoral success, party leaders have initiated preliminary discussions regarding potential collaboration with the INDIA alliance. In these discussions, the BAP leaders have put forth a proactive stance, expressing their aspiration to be part of the alliance and have articulated a formal demand for two significant constituencies - Banswara and Udaipur. Rajkumar Roat, MLA Chorasi and party founder said soon a delegation would meet with the INDIA alliance to know their final decision. If the response is negative, BAP will contest in five seats, he stated.

In Nagaur, RLP faces a formidable challenge from Congress, with the latter securing a substantial lead of 6.19 lakh votes across 7 Assembly seats. The closely contested battle, with Congress and BJP receiving 6.19 lakh and 6.05 lakh votes, respectively, opens avenues for a potential coalition between RLP and Congress, crucial for securing victory in this seat.

Similarly, in the Sikar Lok Sabha constituency, the Marxist party stands as the third force after Congress and BJP, based on Assembly seats. An alliance between Congress and Marxist parties could significantly influence voter sentiment in Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Churu Lok Sabha seats. While RLP's Hanuman Beniwal currently denies any proposals regarding the India alliance, the prospect of a proposal sparks anticipation, emphasizing the need for collective decision-making within the party. As Rajasthan braces for a political paradigm shift, the stage is set for a compelling and dynamic electoral showdown.