BARMER: Rajasthan’s largest parliamentary constituency in terms of its geographical expanse, is set for a fascinating contest. Traditionally dominated by Congress, the constituency is now witnessing the emergence of an Independent candidate, Ravindra Singh Bhati, who is challenging the established order represented by Congress & BJP.
Twenty-six-year-old Bhati, an independent MLA from Sheo, has changed the rules of the games & upsetted electoral mathematics for two traditional players, Congress & BJP.While BJP has re-nominated sitting MP, Kailash Choudhary, Congress has fielded Umedaram Beniwal, a recent convert from RLP.
Bhati, a local Rajput, has challenged the Jat candidates fielded by Cong and BJP with his Jan Ashirwad Yatra, which is drawing significant support not only within Barmer but also from migrant voters in other states.
Barmer’s political dynamics have historically favoured Congress, with intermittent successes for BJP since 2004. However, Bhati’s candidacy poses a formidable obstacle for both parties vying for supremacy in the area.
The constituency’s demographic makeup, comprising diverse communities such as Jats, Rajputs, minorities, and SCs, presents a complex electoral calculus. Both Congress & BJP grapple with the influence of local Jat leaders while campaigning across the eight assembly segments.
Congress candidate Umedaram Beniwal has emphasised the shortcomings of BJP-led govt, citing unfulfilled promises & stalled projects. He pledges to prioritise renewable energy initiatives and enhance educational opportunities for the youth. Bhati, on the other hand, says it’s time to put an end to election small talk and focus on people’s issues. Judging by the crowds he draws, cutting across communities and age groups, the novelty factor has clearly worked to his favour, with groups traditionally supportive of BJP or Congress now lending him a sympathetic ear.
The three-cornered fight, though, is also keeping BJP’s Kailash Choudhary on his toes. Looking to be re-elected from Barmer, Choudhary has been highlighting the work he has done for his constituency since 2019.
Twenty-six-year-old Bhati, an independent MLA from Sheo, has changed the rules of the games & upsetted electoral mathematics for two traditional players, Congress & BJP.While BJP has re-nominated sitting MP, Kailash Choudhary, Congress has fielded Umedaram Beniwal, a recent convert from RLP.
Bhati, a local Rajput, has challenged the Jat candidates fielded by Cong and BJP with his Jan Ashirwad Yatra, which is drawing significant support not only within Barmer but also from migrant voters in other states.
Barmer’s political dynamics have historically favoured Congress, with intermittent successes for BJP since 2004. However, Bhati’s candidacy poses a formidable obstacle for both parties vying for supremacy in the area.
The constituency’s demographic makeup, comprising diverse communities such as Jats, Rajputs, minorities, and SCs, presents a complex electoral calculus. Both Congress & BJP grapple with the influence of local Jat leaders while campaigning across the eight assembly segments.
Congress candidate Umedaram Beniwal has emphasised the shortcomings of BJP-led govt, citing unfulfilled promises & stalled projects. He pledges to prioritise renewable energy initiatives and enhance educational opportunities for the youth. Bhati, on the other hand, says it’s time to put an end to election small talk and focus on people’s issues. Judging by the crowds he draws, cutting across communities and age groups, the novelty factor has clearly worked to his favour, with groups traditionally supportive of BJP or Congress now lending him a sympathetic ear.
The three-cornered fight, though, is also keeping BJP’s Kailash Choudhary on his toes. Looking to be re-elected from Barmer, Choudhary has been highlighting the work he has done for his constituency since 2019.