According to the Election Commission, Rajasthan saw an incredible 68.24% voter turnout in 199 assembly constituencies by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have expressed confidence in the high level of engagement, interpreting the statistics as support for their respective goals. The election results will be announced on December 3, revealing the state’s political climate. The Congress, currently in power, claims that the high turnout is favorable for the incumbent and attributes it to the effectiveness of their social programs. On the other hand, the BJP interprets it as a loud cry for change, with the people voicing their discontent with the government they currently lead.
A prominent focus area is eastern Rajasthan, where the BJP asserts significant backing from the Gujjar people. Laxmikant Bhardwaj, a BJP spokesperson, claims that the Gujjars have switched to the BJP for this election because they are upset that Sachin Pilot would not be the chief minister and are disillusioned with the Congress. The Congress, on the other hand, is betting on the backing of minority groups, including the Meena, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Mali communities. The Mali community, which has historically supported the BJP, has indicated a tilt in support towards the Congress this time, according to a senior Congress leader.
Due to several farmer-friendly policies, such as loan waivers, financial aid for lumpy sickness, electricity subsidies, and a distinct budget for agriculture, the Jat group, primarily centered in the districts of north Rajasthan, is thought to support the Congress. In response, the BJP says that the government has failed to fulfill its full loan waivers and round-the-clock electricity supply pledges. Political analyst Narayan Bareth attributes the high voter turnout to the popularity of government-introduced welfare programs, which he views as a sign of pro-incumbency. He compares the trends in West Bengal and Kerala, where comparable patterns supported the current administration.
Mumtaz Massih, a senior Congress leader, credits the high participation to the policies, programs, and notable accomplishments of the current administration, including a statute providing welfare to gig workers, a particular budget for farmers, and strict regulations to prevent paper leaks. In response to these assertions, BJP leader Mukesh Pareek says that Congress broke pledges during the last election, infuriating groups like the Gurjars, farmers, and young people. Just months before the polls, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced giveaways, but he questioned their sincerity.
Some consider the voters’ quiet behavior during the campaign as a sign that they are satisfied with how the administration is performing, especially as the political rhetoric heats up. As demonstrated in past elections where administrations changed every five years, political scientist Narayan Bareth points out that they would have been more outspoken and apparent if the electorate had been against the government.
The assembly election results in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram are eagerly awaited, with the potential to reshape the region’s political landscape. The outcome will determine the state’s leadership and provide insight into the complex dynamics of voter sentiment and political affiliation.
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- News Writer
- Patil Shweta Bharat is a final-year master's student in journalism with a passion for writing and research, particularly in the fields of politics and international affairs. She has interned with newspapers and corporate companies to explore the media industry. Shweta believes that continuous learning is essential for a fulfilling and successful life and is here to learn from everyone and share her knowledge. Traveling and exploring new and uncharted territories are things she is passionate about.
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