Raajneeti ka tandav: Speed bumps in the the Udaipur Lok Sabha seats

The political cogs and gears are shifting after the recent, much-debated and followed assembly elections in Rajasthan. Heads have turned towards the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with Udaipur being a pivotal battle ground.

 Both the BJP and Congress are strategically positioning themselves to secure this vital seat but the political landscape is changing. In the last five elections, the BJP has dominated thrice, while Congress emerged victorious only twice, making Udaipur a closely contested constituency.

The BJP dilemma

Currently BJP MP, Arjun Lal Meena, holds the Udaipur Lok Sabha seat, but health issues have rendered him inactive. In a recent BJP meeting, he announced his decision not to contest the upcoming elections. This leaves the BJP scrambling to identify a suitable candidate with tribal roots, a crucial criterion for this reserved constituency. The party has a robust vote bank, but the absence of a prominent face raises the challenge of deciding on a charismatic and influential leader.

“The biggest challenge for BJP in Udaipur is not just securing votes but deciding on a tribal face that resonates with the people.”

The Congress and their uphill battle

Congress faces challenges in Udaipur, especially in finding a prominent leader who can connect with the electorate, especially for the tribal community.. Raghuveer Singh Meena, a strong Congress leader who won the MP seat in 2009, has faced defeats recently, both in the parliamentary and assembly elections.

His continuous setbacks raise concerns for the party, who have been demanding innovative strategies to regain political ground in the region.

“Congress must navigate not only the facial challenge but also strategize to overcome the setbacks faced by leaders like Raghuveer Singh Meena.”

The coming of the Bharat Adivasi Party

Entering the battlefield is the Bharat Adivasi Party, a force that gained prominence in the recent assembly elections. Winning three seats out of 28 in Mewar, the party emerged as a formidable contender, securing a substantial vote bank. The rise of this tribal-focused party presents a major and surprising challenge for both BJP and Congress, altering the dynamics of Udaipur politics.

 “Bharat Adivasi Party’s growing influence poses a unique challenge, altering the political equation and demanding a nuanced approach from established players.”

Data speaks……

Reviewing the last five elections reveals a rather dynamic electoral history. BJP’s Arjun Lal Meena clinched victories in 2014 and 2019, while Congress secured the seat in 2009. 

The Girija Vyas-led Congress won in 1999. With approximately 20.59 lakh voters, gender dynamics are notable, comprising around 10.83 lakh male and 9.76 lakh female voters.

 The constituency includes Udaipur, Udaipur Rural, Salumber, Jhadol, Kherwara, Dhariyavad, Gogunda, and Aspur assembly constituencies. As the Udaipur Lok Sabha seat takes center stage in the political narrative, both BJP and Congress find themselves at a critical juncture. 

The speedbumps in question include: the absence of clear leadership, the rise of a new political force, and the historical electoral oscillations set the stage for an intriguing political drama. All we can do now is watch closely as the drama unfolds