Alwar bypoll: Cong first off mark, BJP gears for fight
Political activity for the by-election to Alwar parliamentary constituency has gained momentum, though the poll schedule is yet to be announced.
Congress leader Jitendra Singh has started addressing people in chaupals (community gathering) and late night sabhas (meetings) to garner support. Though the party is yet to announce a candidate from the seat, Singh held a press conference in the district a few days ago and announced that he is ready to contest.
Similarly, the BJP has also not come up with any name for the by-election, but Gyan Deo Ahuja, the party legislator from Ramgarh, in a press conference held recently proclaimed that he would be seeking the party ticket.
State BJP working committee meeting is scheduled to be held in Alwar on October 8 and 9 and the local leaders are engaged in its preparation. The candidate’s name for the Alwar by-poll is likely to be discussed in the meeting.
Election analyst Harishankar Goyal says that “non-populist” economic policies of the central government go in favour of Jitendra Singh’s candidature. “Small-time businessmen and common folk are suffering heavily and hold anger against the government. Even opposition parties like CPI and CPM also sense an opportunity and are willing to support Singh to topple the BJP dominance,” he said.
District Bar Association secretary Sanjeev Karagwal says that Chandnath — the BJP MP from Alwar whose death vacated the seat — never visited Alwar after winning the elections. “Since then, Jitendra Singh has been a name on the people’s lips, as he is a popular son of Alwar and has been a former MP here. He tried to initiate and incorporate projects such as ESI hospital, Sainik school, offices of paramilitary forces and bullet train on the Delhi-Jaipur route,” adds Karagwal.
“Five-floor mini secratariat project sanctioned during Singh’s tenure is reduced to three by the present government and advocates lost out on individual chambers. There is anger among lawyers due to this move,” said the lawyer.
Samyukt Vyapari Mahasangh president Dharam Pal Tanwar says that demonetisation and GST have paralysed the businesses.”Now businessmen are chanting slogans - Kamal ka phool, bahut badi bhool! Business class is suffering the most and trade and commerce are on ventilator,” says Tanwar. Sari seller Narendra Gupta echoes similar sentiment. “Earlier we used to be busy the entire day. Now our business is affected by up to 90%,” said Gupta.
Mewat Shikha Panchayat convener Noor Mohammad says, “Many developmental tasks were carried out during Jitendra Singh’s tenure. He is a local leader and always remains approachable.”
Congress leader Shweta Saini declares that her party workers are determined to ensure Jitendra Singh’s victory in the by-poll.
According to her, there’s anger among the people of Alwar regarding government policies and people will vote for change.
District BJP president Dharmveer Sharma said that his party has also started to activate its workers at booth level.
Sharma said the BJP has a strong organisational strength. “The Congress candidate will not be able to face our candidate for a long time. It will be an easy victory for the BJP candidate,” he added.
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