The Congress party has taken its first significant step towards the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections by releasing its initial list of candidates. This list features several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy, Sachin Pilot. These elections are of great importance, and the Congress is keen to maintain its stronghold in the state.
The list, comprising 33 candidates, was released amid speculations and expectations of inner-party conflicts over ticket distribution. The notable inclusion of both Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in this list sends a strong message of unity within the party. Gehlot is contesting from his current Assembly constituency, Sardarpura, while Pilot is fielded from Tonk, his incumbent seat. Their candidatures reflect the party’s determination to present a cohesive front and face the upcoming election with a united leadership.
The Central Election Committee has selected the following persons as Congress candidates for the ensuing elections to Rajasthan Assembly.
केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति ने राजस्थान विधानसभा के आगामी चुनावों के लिए निम्नलिखित व्यक्तियों को कांग्रेस उम्मीदवार के रूप में चुना है। pic.twitter.com/SXtvpBWGz3
— Rajasthan PCC (@INCRajasthan) October 21, 2023
Other significant names on the list include Govind Singh Dotsara, the president of the Congress’ Rajasthan unit, who will be contesting from Lachhmangarh, his current constituency. Harish Chaudhary, a former state cabinet minister, has been nominated to run from Baytoo. Additionally, the Assembly Speaker, CP Joshi, will be representing the party from his stronghold, Nathdwara.
While this list covers several crucial candidates, it’s worth noting that the Congress is yet to announce candidates for the majority of the state’s 200 Assembly constituencies. More names are expected to be revealed during the Central Election Committee meeting scheduled for October 22.
The upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections are set to take place on November 25, with the counting of votes scheduled for December 3. In the previous Assembly elections held in 2018, the Congress secured 100 out of the 200 seats. The party comfortably formed the government with the support of smaller parties and independent candidates. Ashok Gehlot was reappointed as the Chief Minister for the third time, affirming the party’s dominance in the state.
In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the incumbent ruling party between 2013 and 2018, was reduced to 73 seats in the previous election. Rajasthan has displayed a pattern of changing governments approximately every five years over the past few decades. This alternation of power between the BJP and Congress has been attributed to the anti-incumbency factor.
The outcome of the forthcoming elections will be closely watched, as it will test whether this pattern continues or if Rajasthan’s political landscape experiences a significant shift. The Congress party’s initial list of candidates showcases the leaders it believes will help secure a victory and maintain its leadership in the state. With a strategic mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent, the Congress aims to face the upcoming elections with a united and formidable front.