Jaipur- As the Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan loom large, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) takes center stage with its announcement of candidates for 24 out of 25 parliamentary seats in the state.
Notably, the BJP's electoral lineup includes a significant representation of women, with five tickets allocated to female candidates.
However, amidst this stride towards gender inclusivity, a critical lens reveals a nuanced reality: three of these women candidates hail from politically connected families, emblematic of the ongoing debate surrounding dynastic politics.
This contrast highlights how the BJP is trying to include more women in its election plans, but at the same time, some of these women come from families with long histories in politics.
It makes us think more deeply about how gender equality fits into the BJP's overall election strategy, and how democracy and leadership are changing in Rajasthan.
In the battleground of Rajsamand Lok Sabha seat, anticipation brews for an intriguing electoral showdown. The BJP has nominated Mahima Visheshwar Singh as its candidate, marking a shift from the tenure of former MP Diya Kumari, who contested and won the MLA election in 2023.
Hailing from the esteemed lineage of Mewar, Mahima Visheshwar Singh is the wife of Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, a BJP MLA representing Nathdwara in Mewar. Born on July 22, 1972, into the household of Jagdishwari Prasad Singh, Mahima received her early education in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. She continued her studies at Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, before pursuing her college education at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.
In a strategic move, the BJP has entrusted Mahima Singh with the Rajsamand parliamentary seat, succeeding Diya Kumari of the former royal family of Jaipur, who represented the constituency in 2019.
Mahima's dedication and efforts during the assembly elections played a pivotal role in securing victory for her husband, Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, in Nathdwara.
In the previous election, Diya Kumari of the BJP emerged victorious in Rajsamand, defeating Devkinandan Gurjar of the Congress by a significant margin of approximately 5,51,916 votes.
With BJP MLAs currently holding office in eight assembly seats within the Rajsamand parliamentary constituency, Mahima Visheshwar Singh steps into the electoral arena amidst a backdrop of strong party representation and heightened expectations for effective governance and representation.
The BJP has chosen Jyoti Mirdha as its candidate from the Nagaur Lok Sabha seat. 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.
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.
Born on July 26, 1972, in New Delhi, Jyoti 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 herself served as a Lok Sabha MP from Nagaur in 2009 under the Congress banner and has been regarded as a prominent leader within the party. However, reports suggest that she 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.
Manju Sharma's emergence as a prominent BJP candidate carries forward her family's political legacy, particularly shaped by her father, the esteemed Bhanwar Lal Sharma, who served as a seasoned and influential BJP leader. His extensive tenure as MLA from the Hawamahal assembly seat (1977 to 1998) has left a lasting impact on Rajasthan's political landscape.
At 64 years old, Manju Sharma brings significant experience and dedication to her new role as a BJP candidate. With longstanding involvement in the party, including serving as the Jaipur in-charge of the Rajasthan Mahila Pravasi Abhiyan (Migrant Campaign), she has actively contributed to various initiatives. Her previous role as the former Mahila Morcha State General Secretary of the BJP underscores her commitment to the party's principles.
Residing in Jaipur city, Manju Sharma's deep community connections make her a compelling candidate. Educated at Kanodia College, Jaipur, she holds sway among the youth, further bolstering her appeal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reported endorsement of Manju Sharma's candidacy signals a significant nod from the party's top leadership, leading to the cancellation of Ramcharan Bohra's ticket and showcasing her growing prominence within the BJP ranks.
As Manju Sharma enters the electoral arena, she carries the weight of her family's legacy and a steadfast dedication to serving the people of Rajasthan.
In Karauli Dholpur, the BJP's decision to replace incumbent MP Manoj Rajoria, who secured victory here twice consecutively, has raised eyebrows. Despite Rajoria's successful tenure, the party has chosen to nominate Indu Devi Jatav for the seat, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral battle. With Congress fielding Bhajanlal Jatav and BSP nominating Vikram Singh Sisodia, all hailing from the Jatav community, the contest intensifies. However, the primary showdown is expected to unfold between the BJP and Congress contenders.
Indu Devi's entry into the political arena brings a breath of fresh air to the Karauli Dholpur seat. Although she is a newcomer to formal electoral politics, her grassroots leadership and previous tenure as the head of Jatav Karauli Panchayat Samiti from 2015 to 2020 position her as a strong contender. Despite lacking experience in mainstream politics, Indu Devi's deep local connections and comprehensive understanding of the region's dynamics give her a strategic edge.
With a background in education up to graduation, Indu Devi is recognized as a young leader with significant influence within her community. At 38 years old and hailing from Karauli, she embodies a promising force within the political landscape. Her journey began as a Pradhan, and her subsequent role as the head of Karauli Panchayat Samiti underscores her commitment to grassroots governance.
As a member of the BJP, Indu Devi is poised to leverage her local influence and community ties to make a meaningful impact in Karauli Dholpur. With her fresh perspective, youthful energy, and strong foothold in the region, Indu Devi emerges as a candidate to watch, ready to carve out her place in the political landscape of Karauli Dholpur.
A direct electoral showdown is anticipated between BJP candidate Priyanka Balan and Kuldeep Indora (INC) for the SC reserved Sriganganagar parliamentary seat, bordering Punjab in Rajasthan. However, the BSP has fielded Devkaran Nayak.
Priyanka Balan, who secured a BJP ticket for the Anupgarh assembly seat in 2013, faced a setback as she was deemed too young to contest the elections, falling short of the required age by a few days according to her 10th-grade mark sheet.
In the upcoming electoral battle, Priyanka, an MBA graduate, is pitted against Kuldeep Indora who is believed to be lacking experience in electoral politics.
Priyanka has a longstanding association with the BJP. Appointed as the Pradesh Mantri by CP Joshi, nine years ago, she currently serves as the chairperson of the Anupgarh Municipal Council.
Hailing from Anupgarh, which falls under the Bikaner parliamentary constituency during Lok Sabha elections, Priyanka Balan's husband is Prince Nagpal who works as a Girdawar (surveyor) , and her father is a retired XEN from PHED.
Priyanka Balan has been actively involved in BJP since 2013. Although she received a ticket for the 2013 assembly elections, it was revoked due to her age. She held the post of State Vice President in BJYM from 2017-2019 and was appointed as Pradesh Mantri in BJP in July 2023.
The 2024 general elections will be held in Rajasthan in two phases. The first phase of voting will be held on April 19 while the second phase of voting will be held on April 26.
The votes will be cast to elect 25 Lok Sabha members in Rajasthan in the 18th parliamentary elections. The results will be announced on June 4.
Phase 1: Date of polling - April 19
Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur
Phase 2: Date of polling - April 26
Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur,Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, and Jhalawar-Baran.
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