Rajasthan to See By-polls as Five Sitting MLAs Move to Parliament

Jaipur- Rajasthan is set to experience a series of by-elections following a significant political shift, with five sitting MLAs being elected to the Parliament in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP, which had hoped for a clean sweep by winning all 25 seats in the state, faced a setback as Congress and its allies secured 11 seats.

The election of these MLAs to the Parliament, announced on June 4, will necessitate by-elections in their respective assembly constituencies within the next six months.

The transition of MLAs becoming MPs is not new and works both ways—MLAs can become MPs, and sometimes MPs become MLAs. When such a situation arises, the respective candidate needs to vacate the seat of the constituency they were elected from, which then goes in for a by-election. By-elections are also held in case the sitting elected member passes away.

With Hanuman Beniwal-Nagaur (RLP), Harish Meena-Tonk (INC), Rajkumar Roat-Banswara-Dungarpur (BAP), Murari Lal Meena - Dausa (INC), and Brijendra Ola-Jhunjhunu (INC) becoming MPs, Rajasthan will now see bypolls on five assembly seats.

The by-election process is similar to regular elections. Interested candidates file their nomination papers, and on the pre-decided date, local residents cast their vote. Subsequently, the winning candidate is announced and then starts representing the constituency in the respective constitutional body (state assembly).

According to political observers, by-elections generally receive less media coverage compared to general elections. The voter turnout percentage in by-elections is also lower, but it plays a significant role. A higher voter turnout in by-elections is usually seen as a sign of strong anti-incumbency against the vacating candidate and their party.

In most cases, the party whose candidate won the original election tends to win the by-election as well. However, when by-elections occur close to the main elections, they attract more attention. The results of by-elections during such times are viewed as potential indicators for the upcoming main elections.

The transition of five MLAs to MPs will have a significant impact on the political balance in Rajasthan. These by-elections could increase the political temperature in the state. Political parties will use this period to strengthen their organizational structure and garner public support.

The results of these by-elections could reshape the political landscape in Rajasthan. For the BJP, these by-elections will be a challenge as they will strive to regain lost ground.

Critics argue that the provision allowing MLAs to contest MP elections, or vice versa, is detrimental for several reasons. Firstly, when such candidates win, it necessitates by-elections, resulting in additional expenditure for the state exchequer.

This repeated financial burden could be avoided with more stringent rules regarding candidacy. Furthermore, granting tickets to sitting MPs or MLAs deprives other deserving candidates of the opportunity to represent their constituencies.

This practice is seen as undemocratic, as it limits the pool of potential leaders and undermines the principles of fair representation and equal opportunity in the political process.