Will the Anta Assembly Bypolls in Rajasthan Turn into a Triangular Contest on Nov 11?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Triangular contest between BJP, Congress, and an Independent candidate.
- Local employment and development are major voter concerns.
- Morpal Suman represents the BJP with a focus on grassroots initiatives.
- Pramod Jain Bhaya emphasizes past development achievements of Congress.
- Naresh Meena advocates for transparency and accountability.
Baran, Nov 4 (NationPress) The Anta Assembly constituency in Rajasthan is preparing for the bypolls on November 11, with the political landscape evolving into a triangular contest among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and an Independent candidate.
The seat became vacant following the imprisonment of BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena, linked to a 20-year-old incident involving allegations of threatening an Sub-Divisional Magistrate with a pistol.
In this critical bypoll, the BJP has nominated Morpal Suman, a local leader known for his grassroots involvement, having previously served as both sarpanch and pradhan.
The Congress has once again put its faith in Pramod Jain Bhaya, a two-time MLA from Anta and former Minister in the last Congress administration.
Adding to the uncertainty, Naresh Meena, a rebel from Congress, is vying for the seat as an Independent candidate.
Residents view Suman as a genuine local candidate and believe that Anta might see a local representative in the assembly for the first time.
While Anta is home to schools and colleges, locals express concerns about limited job opportunities.
"We have schools and colleges, but we lack jobs," said Avdesh Saini, a local resident.
Another villager, Mansukh, noted, "People are falling behind due to the lack of employment. Many are forced to migrate for work."
College student Manesh Singh mentioned, "An incomplete flyover has been a persistent issue for years. We want it finished as commuting is disrupted due to its delay."
In response to these local issues, BJP candidate Suman is focusing his campaign on development and infrastructure, emphasizing that a 'double-engine government'—with the BJP in power at both the Centre and the state—can drive local progress, according to a BJP representative.
"Having worked closely with the community for the past two decades, I understand their challenges. If elected, the BJP can provide the development and jobs that Anta needs through this double-engine government," Suman conveyed.
On the other hand, Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya has been promoting the development initiatives from the previous Congress regime.
However, he downplayed the notion of a triangular contest in Anta, asserting that "Congress is the strongest party here."
Bhaya stated, "Voters will show their trust in us on November 11," expressing confidence in the party's electoral prospects.
Independent candidate Naresh Meena is emphasizing transparency and accountability in his campaign.
"We witnessed Kejriwal facing jail time due to corruption, but why is there no CBI action against Bhaya despite numerous allegations, even under a double-engine government?" Meena questioned.
Congress leader Bhaya is currently entangled in several corruption cases that are still ongoing.
During a recent election rally in Rajasthan, PM Modi highlighted the slogan, "Bhaya re Bhaya, khoob khaya," which has resonated with locals as they discuss the upcoming elections.
With employment, development, and leadership credibility at the forefront of voter concerns, the Anta bypoll is anticipated to be closely monitored.
Political analysts believe the results of the Anta bypoll could provide early insights ahead of the next Rajasthan Assembly elections expected in 2028.