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Jaipur, October 28 (IANS) The upcoming by-election on November 11 from Anta Assembly seat in Rajasthan’s Baran district has taken on a national political color after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal openly supported Congress’s rebel independent candidate Naresh Meena.
On Tuesday, Naresh Meena sought support from AAP on social media platform X and wrote that he was “fighting for change” and needed Kejriwal’s support. Within hours, Kejriwal replied, “Naresh ji, Aam Aadmi Party is completely with you.” After this, Meena expressed her gratitude saying that she was grateful for the unity of the party.
After this, AAP workers have jumped into the campaign all over Rajasthan.
The hashtag #AAPStandsWithNareshMeena started trending on social media, putting the local by-election in the national spotlight.
Anta by-election has now turned into a triangular contest, where vote distribution can play an important role. Congress has fielded experienced leader Pramod Jain Bhaya, who has a strong hold in Hadoti area and has been MLA several times.
The BJP has nominated Morpal Suman, a relatively new face but backed by the party’s organizational machinery.
Independent candidate Naresh Meena, popular among the Meena and Dhakad communities, has got a new momentum after AAP’s support.
His appeal to the youth, urban voters and those seeking change is expected to reshape the electoral dynamics. Political observers believe that Naresh Meena’s rebellion may dent the traditional vote bank of Congress. His former supporters, including a significant youth segment, may move away.
With AAP’s support, the anti-incumbency wave and anti-corruption narrative has become stronger, potentially benefiting the BJP through a split in the Congress votes.
Taking the by-elections seriously, BJP has made a strategy at the micro level.
The party was successful in convincing the rebels till the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Former MLA Rampal Meghwal and four others withdrew their nominations and publicly supported Morpal Suman.
State BJP President Madan Rathod said, “Preparations have been made to take the matter to the micro management level. Workers are deployed at every booth and the organization’s hold is strong. We have shown unity by convincing the rebels.”
To strengthen its base, the party is running door-to-door campaigns and holding rallies of central leaders. Ultimately, a total of 15 candidates are in the fray, but the real fight is between Congress’s Pramod Jain Bhaya, BJP’s Morpal Suman and independent Naresh Meena.
Voting will take place on 11 November and results will be declared on 14 November.
In the last election, BJP had won the Anta seat, but this time due to the intervention of Kejriwal and the entry of AAP, a new political equation has emerged.
–IANS
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