Independent Candidate Alleges Government Neglect in Barmer-Jaisalmer Constituency

Ravindra Singh Bhati, a 26-year-old independent Lok Sabha candidate from the Barmer-Jaisalmer constituency in Rajasthan, India, has accused the Central and State governments of neglecting development in the region. Bhati, who is also an independent MLA from the Sheo constituency of Barmer district, is locked in a triangular contest with the Congress's Ummedaram and the BJP's sitting MP Kailash Chaudhary.

During his campaign, Bhati has been attracting large crowds at his rallies, posing a challenge to Chaudhary. "The people of Barmer are fighting this election and I am just managing the campaign, going to every booth and every household to seek their support," Bhati said. He is trying to appeal to a diverse set of voters, including the 36 communities in the region, and is receiving support from his followers who are wearing t-shirts with his campaign slogans.

Bhati has been associated with the ABVP and BJP in the past, but has not been able to secure a ticket from the BJP this time. He denies being part of the 'tukde tukde gang' and says he leans towards the people rather than any particular political leader. Bhati is campaigning on issues of basic facilities like water, education, medical services, and employment in the constituency.

Why this matters: The Barmer-Jaisalmer constituency, the largest in Rajasthan, is witnessing a high-stakes battle with Bhati emerging as a prominent independent candidate challenging the major parties. The outcome of this election could have implications for the political landscape in Rajasthan and the issues of development and governance in the region.

The Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency is one of the largest in Rajasthan, covering an area of 71,601 square kilometers. It has a population of around 29.7 million, with 91.67% living in rural areas and 8.33% in urban areas. The major voter groups include Jats, Rajputs, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. The constituency has been represented by the Congress party for 9 out of the 15 Lok Sabha elections held since 1957, while the BJP, Janata Dal, BLD, RRP, and Janata Dal have won it once each.

Rajasthan is set to go to polls in the second phase on April 26, 2024. The BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014 and 2019. Several other key constituencies, such as Jodhpur, Kota-Bundi, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur, are also witnessing intense electoral battles shaped by factors like community affiliations, political alliances, and the presence of rebel candidates. "The need for a clear grasp of the capabilities and risks is vital as we maneuver through this <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/rajasthan-lok-sabha-elections-2024-campaigning-ends-for-13-

Key Takeaways

• Independent candidate Ravindra Singh Bhati challenges major parties in Barmer-Jaisalmer.
• Bhati accuses central and state govts of neglecting development in the region.
• Barmer-Jaisalmer is a high-stakes battle, with implications for Rajasthan's political landscape.
• Constituency has been represented by Congress, BJP, and other parties in past elections.
• Rajasthan's Lok Sabha elections in 2024 will see intense battles in several key constituencies.