Synopsis
On April 12, senior Congress leader Joginder Singh Awana joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal, marking a significant political shift in Rajasthan. This move is expected to strengthen RLD's influence in the region, particularly among the Gujjar community, and reshape the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.Key Takeaways
- Joginder Singh Awana has left Congress for RLD.
- His switch is viewed as a strategic political maneuver.
- Awana has strong ties with the Gujjar community.
- The RLD aims to bolster its presence in eastern Rajasthan.
- Awana's experience may influence future elections.
Jaipur, April 12 (NationPress) In a noteworthy political shift, senior Congress figure and ex-MLA Joginder Singh Awana has transitioned to the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), presenting a substantial setback for the Congress party in the region.
Awana made his move to the RLD in Delhi under the auspices of Union Minister and RLD National President Jayant Chaudhary, indicating a significant change in his political path.
Awana, a key leader from the Gujjar community, boasts a rich political background.
Renowned for his robust grassroots ties and influence in the Bharatpur area, Awana gained attention during the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections.
Running from the Nadbai constituency on a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) ticket, he triumphed over BJP’s Krishnendra Kaur (Deepa), a member of the erstwhile royal family, with a winning margin exceeding 4,000 votes.
He garnered 50,976 votes in that election.
After his victory, Awana later aligned with the Congress, actively participating until his recent shift.
This transition to the RLD is perceived as a tactical maneuver ahead of upcoming political realignments in the state, especially due to his influence among the Gujjar voters. Notably, the RLD already has representation in the Rajasthan Assembly.
With Awana's induction, the RLD has further solidified its presence in eastern Rajasthan, particularly within the Bharatpur division.
As per sources, Awana accepted RLD membership during a private visit to Jayant Chaudhary’s residence, indicating a close relationship with the party’s leadership.
His entry is expected to enhance the RLD’s chances in the area and might also instigate further changes within Rajasthan's political framework.
Political analysts opine that Awana’s shift could sway voter opinions, particularly among the Gujjar community, which is pivotal in numerous constituencies across eastern Rajasthan.
His legislative experience and comprehensive grasp of local issues are predicted to augment the RLD’s influence in the state as future elections approach.
