The Congress party has declared that there is no anti-incumbency against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan, signaling its determination to break the tradition of alternating governments in the desert state. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi made these statements following a meeting of the party’s screening committee for Rajasthan, which was attended by state leaders.
Gogoi also took the opportunity to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fielding its Members of Parliament (MPs) in the upcoming state assembly polls due to their fear of losing in the 2024 parliamentary elections. He asserted that there is significant anti-incumbency against the BJP.
He stated, “There has been a tradition in Rajasthan for many years that the government changes every five years, but this time we have seen very closely that there is no anti-incumbency against the government and the chief minister.”
Gogoi went on to argue that this time, the tradition of changing governments every five years would be broken, which has made the BJP apprehensive. He claimed that the BJP nominated MPs for the state assembly polls who face strong opposition because they are aware that they are unlikely to win the Lok Sabha elections again.
The Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha pointed out that Rajasthan has traditionally witnessed a pattern of alternating governments between the Congress and the BJP every five years. This time, the Congress appears confident that it can defy this pattern and secure another term in office.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is seeking re-election and a repeat of his government in the state, has been actively involved in campaign preparations. He recently met with former party chief Sonia Gandhi and the party’s treasurer Ajay Maken.
Rajasthan is scheduled to go to the polls on November 30 to elect members for the 200-seat state assembly.
Responding to questions about who would be the Congress’ Chief Ministerial candidate in Rajasthan, Gogoi mentioned that the party would adhere to its tradition. He did not provide a specific name during his statement.
When asked about the timeline for announcing the party’s candidates for the upcoming polls, Gogoi raised concerns about the BJP’s knowledge of election-related information in advance. He suggested that the BJP seemed well-prepared because it had insider information about when the model code of conduct would be imposed and when the election schedule would be declared.
Gogoi stated, “As far as the Congress party is concerned, we are fully active and fully prepared…we are going to win this election.” He emphasized the party’s readiness and commitment to securing victory in the upcoming Rajasthan state assembly elections.
The political landscape in Rajasthan will be closely watched as the Congress endeavors to retain power and disrupt the established pattern of alternating governments in the state. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the political dynamics in the region.
