Congress Optimistic as Rajasthan Lok Sabha Elections Conclude

The Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan have concluded, with the Congress party appearing confident of ending its 10-year dry run in the state.

In the two phases of voting, the BJP seemed to face challenges in at least half the seats, with caste politics playing a significant role for voters in some constituencies.

The final phase saw voting in the remaining 13 out of Rajasthan's 25 Lok Sabha seats. Key constituencies in this phase included Chittorgarh, where BJP's state president Chandra Prakash Joshi faced Congress' Udai Lal Anjana, and Jhalawar-Baran, where BJP's Dushyant Singh, son of former CM Vasundhara Raje, sought re-election against Congress' Urmila Jain.

Other notable contests were in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, with Congress' Harish Chandra Meena battling BJP's Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria, and Jodhpur, where Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat faced a close fight with Congress' Karan Singh Uchiarda. In Jalore, Congress' Vaibhav Gehlot, son of former CM Ashok Gehlot, challenged BJP's Lumbaram Chaudhary.

The Congress is optimistic about its prospects, while the BJP seems a bit apprehensive, given the party's target of securing 'beyond 400' seats across the country. The Congress's uncertainty about Rajasthan was reflected in the lack of top leadership rallies in the second phase, though Sonia Gandhi did make an appearance in the first phase.

Why this matters: The Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan could indicate a potential shift in the state's political landscape, with the Congress party aiming to regain ground after a decade. The outcome may also impact the BJP's overall goal of securing a significant majority in the Lok Sabha.

The BJP is facing the most heat in Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, and Kota, while the Congress has high stakes in Jalore. The Election Commission has cleared Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of the Ram Temple in a rally, concluding that it did not violate the Model Code of Conduct. As the nation awaits the election results, the political landscape in Rajasthan hangs in the balance, with both the Congress and BJP hoping to emerge victorious.

Key Takeaways

• Congress appears confident of ending 10-year dry run in Rajasthan Lok Sabha polls.
• BJP faces challenges in at least half the seats, with caste politics playing a role.
• Key contests include Chittorgarh, Jhalawar-Baran, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, and Jodhpur.
• Congress optimistic, BJP apprehensive about securing 'beyond 400' seats nationwide.
• The outcome may impact BJP's overall Lok Sabha majority goal, with Barmer, Jalore, Jodhpur, and Kota key.