Tough Battlefield: How the BJP Candidate is Using a Bird Allegory to Win Over Voters in Rajasthan's Nagaur

Nagaur- In the bustling electoral landscape of Nagaur parliamentary constituency in Rajasthan, the BJP candidate, Jyoti Mirdha, has taken an unconventional approach to connect with voters, likening herself to a sparrow amidst the fervour of political campaigns.

In her impassioned addresses, Mirdha draws on a poignant metaphor, urging voters to determine the fate of the symbolic bird—whether to crush it or to send it soaring to Parliament.

As the electoral battleground gears up for voting in the first phase on April 19, Nagaur stands as Rajasthan's constituency with the highest number of voters, a staggering 26,84,828. Polling will be held on Friday in twelve out of 25 Lok Sabha seats - Churu, Nagaur, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur and Dausa.

In Nagaur, Jyoti Mirdha finds herself pitted against Congress-supported RLP convenor Hanuman Beniwal, a formidable opponent renowned for his political prowess.

The electoral battle in Nagaur presents a captivating narrative for several compelling reasons. At its heart lies the clash between two prominent leaders sharing a similar societal background, intensifying the competition and adding an element of fervor to the contest.

Analysts observe that the division within the Jat voter base has elevated the significance of OBC and minority voters, positioning them as key influencers in determining the outcome.

While the BJP has exhibited dominance in the past two Lok Sabha elections, the emergence of an alliance between the Congress and RLP has injected a fresh dynamic into the electoral landscape.

The discourse surrounding national issues such as the Ram Mandir and Article 370 resonates strongly in urban areas, while rural voters remain focused on local concerns such as agricultural issues and caste dynamics.

Mirdha embarks on her campaign trail with an aura of simplicity in sharp contrast to the perceived power wielded by her adversary.

Jyoti Mirdha was an MP from the Nagaur Lok Sabha seat in 2009 on the Congress ticket. Later, she contested the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections under the Congress banner but faced defeat.

In a mesmerizing display of storytelling infused with the quintessential Marwar style Rajasthani flair, Mirdha captivates her audience with a tale of a Siddha Baba and an astute villager. The narrative unfolds as the villager challenges the Baba, clutching a sparrow within his fist, posing the enigmatic question—“Is the bird in my fist alive or dead?” The Baba, cognizant of the delicate balance of power, offers a cryptic response, leaving the fate of the sparrow in the hands of the villager.

Drawing a parallel to her own plight, Mirdha elucidates that she, too, stands akin to the sparrow held captive in the hands of the voters of Nagaur. With a mix of vulnerability and resilience, she implores voters to wield their power judiciously—to either crush her aspirations or to elevate her to the hallowed halls of Parliament.

Mirdha's touching story is spreading far and wide, reaching people on social media and touching their hearts.

Baba ki poti hai, Nagaur ki Jyoti

Jyoti Mirdha's switch from the Congress to the BJP before the state assembly elections had sent shockwaves through Rajasthan's political landscape, particularly in Nagaur, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu districts. With her entry into the BJP, the political equations of several parties stand to be significantly altered, especially in areas where she holds considerable influence, notably among the Jat community.

Mirdha hails from a politically influential family. She is the granddaughter of Nathu Ram Mirdha, whose family holds significant sway in Jat-dominated regions. Jyoti has been discontented with the Congress for the past four years, leading to her recent defection to the BJP.

Married to Narendra Gehlot, Jyoti Mirdha is a graduate of SMS Medical College with an MBBS degree. With her entry into the BJP, many anticipate a substantial shift in the political landscape of Nagaur and surrounding areas.

Known as "Baba ki poti hai, Nagaur ki Jyoti hai", Jyoti's influence is expected to sway at least seven assembly seats in Nagaur, owing to her familial connections and political acumen.

Nagaur, a touch battlefield for the BJP ?

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi sets a target of 370 seats for the upcoming general elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faces some anxious moments in Rajasthan. While the party achieved a clean sweep in both Haryana and Rajasthan during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, internal surveys now indicate potential challenges in securing victory in five seats in Haryana and six to seven seats in Rajasthan.

Nagaur, among the seven seats in Rajasthan, stands out as a particularly tough battlefield for the BJP in the 2024 elections. With a target of 25 seats in the state, internal reports suggest that Barmer, Churu, Dausa, Banswara, Tonk, and Karauli, along with Nagaur, may present formidable challenges to the party's electoral ambitions.

Amidst the electoral fray, the Congress party stands bolstered by the traditional support of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) leader Hanuman Beniwal, who has joined forces with the Congress (INDIA bloc) for the Lok Sabha elections. Beniwal's popularity within the Jat community and his alliance with the Congress present a formidable advantage, particularly in securing the support of minority groups.

Analysts predict that Beniwal's success hinges on securing a substantial portion of the Jat vote, alongside support from SC-ST and Muslim voters who traditionally lean towards the Congress. Additionally, the Congress holds sway over four of the eight assembly seats in the Nagaur parliamentary region, positioning the party strategically for a competitive electoral contest.

As election approaches, the BJP's managers are grappling with the realization that achieving 'Mission 25' in Rajasthan may not be a smooth ride. Despite past successes, the party now faces the daunting task of securing victory in these crucial constituencies amidst shifting political dynamics and evolving voter sentiments.