Did Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa Just Take a Jibe at Naresh Meena?
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, Rajasthan Congress In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa made headlines with a pointed remark about Naresh Meena's political aspirations. As the upcoming Anta by-election approaches, the rivalry intensifies, raising questions about party loyalty and candidate selection.
Key Takeaways
- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa criticizes Naresh Meena's social media approach.
- The Congress has nominated Pramod Jain Bhaya for the Anta by-election.
- Naresh Meena will contest as an Independent candidate.
- The Anta seat vacancy arose from the conviction of Kanwarlal Meena.
- The by-election is seen as a crucial contest for both parties.
Jaipur, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Congress In-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has ignited political discussions with a pointed comment directed at party leader Naresh Meena during a press conference on Thursday in Bikaner.
In a clever jab at Meena, Randhawa remarked, "MLAs are not born on Twitter. It was my oversight that I missed Naresh Meena's tweet. If I had seen it sooner, I would have gone to meet him."
With a sharp tone, Randhawa added, "I am a small man, and he is a very big leader," a remark that has since sparked considerable discussion within Rajasthan's political landscape.
This comment was made in the presence of senior Congress figure and Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Govind Singh Dotasra.
Randhawa emphasized that in the Congress, "Only those who are dedicated to the party and capable of fostering unity are considered for tickets."
In a significant development, the Congress has nominated veteran leader Pramod Jain Bhaya as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Anta Assembly constituency located in Baran district.
This move is seen as a strategic attempt to reclaim lost ground following the 2023 Assembly election defeat and a potential political revival for Bhaya.
However, this decision represents a substantial setback for Naresh Meena, who had anticipated receiving a party ticket from Congress.
Now, Meena has declared his intention to run in the by-election as an Independent candidate, escalating the political rivalry.
Earlier, on October 7, Naresh Meena addressed a post to Rahul Gandhi, requesting a ticket for the Anta bypoll.
He stated, "Rahul ji, in 2000, my father was the Block President of the Congress in Baran. In 2002, I contested and triumphed in the Rajasthan University Student Union General Secretary election on an NSUI ticket -- a landmark victory. In 2023, I sought a ticket from Congress for the Chhabra Assembly seat. When denied, I contested as an Independent and received 45,000 votes. For 2024, I again sought a ticket -- this time from Dausa Lok Sabha -- and was overlooked. In the 2024 Deoli-Uniara by-election, I requested a Congress ticket, but it was awarded to a former BJP leader. I ran as an Independent, finished second with 60,000 votes, and the Congress candidate lost their deposit. Now, for the 2025 Anta Assembly by-election, I am once again seeking a Congress ticket. Each time, the party has given the ticket to someone from a caste that represents less than one percent of the Anta population -- someone like Pramod Jain Bhaya, whose actions have severely harmed the Congress throughout the Kota division. Respected Rahul ji, I earnestly hope you will consider my contributions and public support, granting me a fair opportunity this time."
He concluded with, "Sincerely, Naresh Meena #AntaByElection #Congress #Rajasthan."
The Anta Assembly seat became vacant after the conviction of the sitting MLA Kanwarlal Meena.
He surrendered at the Manohar Thana court and submitted a mercy petition to the Governor for clemency.
However, this petition remains pending due to legal issues.
With the by-election officially announced, both the BJP and Congress view it as a crucial battleground.
The BJP aims to maintain its hold on the seat and reinforce its position in Rajasthan, while the Congress is determined to recover lost ground and convey a strong message ahead of future elections.
Point of View
This unfolding political scenario in Rajasthan underscores the complexities within party dynamics, particularly in response to candidate selection and loyalty. The rivalry between Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Naresh Meena exemplifies the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity while catering to diverse ambitions. As the by-election approaches, the implications of these tensions will be pivotal for both Congress and the BJP in shaping the future political landscape of Rajasthan.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa's remark about Naresh Meena?
Randhawa remarked, 'MLAs are not born on Twitter,' which pointedly criticized Meena's reliance on social media for political engagement.
Who has been nominated as the Congress candidate for the Anta by-election?
The Congress has fielded veteran leader Pramod Jain Bhaya as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Anta Assembly constituency.
Why is Naresh Meena contesting as an Independent candidate?
Naresh Meena is running as an Independent candidate after being denied a ticket from Congress, intensifying the competition in the by-election.
What led to the vacancy of the Anta Assembly seat?
The Anta Assembly seat became vacant following the conviction of its sitting MLA, Kanwarlal Meena.
What is the significance of the Anta by-election for both Congress and BJP?
Both parties view the Anta by-election as a critical battleground to either regain lost ground or maintain their political foothold in Rajasthan.
