In her poll fortress, Raje on winning run since 2003

since 1977.

Raje has consolidated her position in Jhalarapatan on the basis of development works. She is likely to contest from the seat in the coming assembly polls, scheduled for the yearend. The Congress has not projected any face against Raje. It is not clear whether the party will field a local Congress leader or a parachute candidate.

The Jhalarapatan constituency comprises Muslims, Dalits, Rajputs, OBCs including Dhakars, Patidars, Dangis and Sondhiya Rajputs, and Gurjars, among others.

The constituency has around 50,000 Muslim voters, around 35,000 Dalits, about 20,000 Dhakars and Rajputs each, about 16,000 Dangi and Patidar voters each, around 15,000 Sondhiya Rajputs, around 12,000 Gurjars, and about 20,000 voters of other communities, including Brahmins Male Female

Previous election

Winner:

Vasundhara Raje, BJP Nearest rival: Meenakshi Chandrawat, Congress

RAJASTHAN

and Vaishyas.

While Muslims and Dalits are considered the traditional voters of the Congress, Rajputs, Dhakars, Sondhiya Rajputs, Gurjars, Patidars and Dangis have voted for the BJP in the past.

Vasundhara Raje has focused on roads, drinking water project, electricity, health, education and employment in Jhalarapatan. Her government promoted ecotourism . SANJAY JAIN TAU, Jhalawar district BJP president