In the run-up to the assembly elections in Rajasthan, the state election committee of the Congress party has been diligently working to finalize the list of candidates.
However, this process has not been without its share of protests and demands by party workers who have expressed their reservations against certain sitting MLAs.
A Democratic Platform for Expression
During the committee’s recent meeting, various groups of Congress workers from different constituencies came together to raise their voices against the potential nomination of certain MLAs.
These workers demanded that tickets not be given to these individuals for the upcoming elections. It is important to note that the Congress party values the opinions of its members and believes in providing a democratic platform for expression.
Congress state chief, Govind Singh Dotasra, acknowledged this right to free expression, stating, “Congress workers have been expressing their views for a long time.If anyone expresses his views, we will listen to him, and whatever is appropriate, it will be conveyed to the screening committee.”
It is not uncommon to witness adverse comments against politicians, be it an MP or an MLA, during the election season.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot points out that such comments may sometimes be true or false, and there could even be underlying conspiracies.
However, he emphasizes that the ultimate decision regarding candidate selection lies with the party high command.
Gehlot affirms that the winnable candidate will be given the ticket, ensuring the acceptance of this decision by all members.
Smooth Sailing in the Party
Gehlot has expressed his satisfaction with the overall functioning of the party and assures that things are going smoothly.
The Congress party has upcoming plans to launch an election campaign in eastern Rajasthan, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge addressing a meeting in Baran on October 16.
Additionally, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will hold a rally in Sikrai, Dausa on October 20. The chief minister also mentions that numerous small and big rallies will be organized in the 13 eastern Rajasthan districts covered under the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project.
One key issue that the Congress party intends to highlight in the eastern Rajasthan districts is the failure of the central government to grant national project status to the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
Chief Minister Gehlot reveals that his government consistently demanded this designation from the central government, which unfortunately remained unresponsive.
Consequently, the Congress party plans to expose the BJP-led central government on this matter through a series of meetings in the aforementioned districts, aiming to garner support from the local populace.
Voices of Dissent
Just before the committee meeting began, several party workers from various constituencies, including Kaman, Sawai Madhopur, Kishanpole, and Sardarshahar, gathered near the party’s war room to stage protests.
Slogans were raised against certain sitting MLAs, with demands for them to be denied the party’s ticket for the upcoming elections.
Party workers expressed their concerns regarding the neglect of party workers by these MLAs and their inaccessibility.
They fervently believe that the party should nominate candidates who are more in touch with their constituency’s needs and concerns.
The Congress party understands the importance of taking into account the voices and sentiments of its members. It firmly believes in conducting a fair and democratic decision-making process while finalizing the list of candidates for the assembly elections in Rajasthan.
The protests and demands by party workers against certain sitting MLAs serve as a reminder of the democratic fabric that underscores the party’s functioning.
As the candidate list is presented to the screening committee, the Congress party aims to strike a balance between experience and the aspirations of its dedicated members, ensuring a winning path for the upcoming elections.
