- By Vivek Raj
- Sun, 03 Dec 2023 03:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major setback for the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, the BJP has managed to gain a strong lead in the state assembly polls. The people of Rajasthan have once again decided to maintain the ‘Rivaaj’ in the state by overturning the ruling government. It was the battle of the Congress’ seven guarantees versus the BJP’s Central schemes in Rajasthan in the election to the 200-member Assembly which went to polls on November 25.
The BJP's decision not to project a chief ministerial face but opt for "collective leadership" has somewhere worked well. By bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the forefront, the party brought down the face battle between Modi and Gehlot.
If we talk about the schemes, especially those targeting women, the BJP had similar schemes in its arsenal, and the recent announcement about extending the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for another five years is believed to be a masterstroke.
There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration if we see the Rajasthan poll results:
People's Mandate: Rajasthan's Riwaaj
Traditionally, Rajasthan has witnessed a change in the ruling government every five years, a trend that once again persisted in these assembly polls. Despite Congress and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressing confidence in breaking this pattern, voters opted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adhering to the state's historical voting tradition.
Internal Feud: Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot
The longstanding feud between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot within the Congress party has been a persistent issue. Despite efforts to downplay internal discord during the campaign, as per the current result trend, the party failed to deliver the truce message to the people loud and clear. The rift between the two prominent leaders likely played a role in eroding public confidence in Congress.
Corruption Issue: Paper Leak And Scams
The BJP strategically capitalised on corruption allegations, highlighting issues such as paper leaks in eight Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) examinations between 2019 and 2022. The cancellations led to 15 FIRs and the arrest of 273 individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his rallies, criticised the Congress for playing with the future of youths and highlighted the 'Red Diary,' purportedly documenting scams under Ashok Gehlot's administration.
ALSO READ: Telangana Election Results 2023: BRS Leader KT Rama Rao Concedes Defeat, Says ‘Will Bounce Back’
"In the last five years, the Congress played with the future of youths. There have been raids on coaching centres, and the relatives of a minister close to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have become officers, and your children did not get the chance," PM Modi said during a rally.