Congress & BJP Resort to Caste-Based Politics in Ajmer Bypolls

Both claim to contest Ajmer bypolls on the planks of social issues and development, but caste is playing a big role.

BJP-Congress claim development and social issues at Ajmer By-Elections

(Photo: The Quint)

BJP and Congress are the main two parties in in the Ajmer Lok Sabha by-election claim to contest the elections on the basis of issues and development, but the reality is that this election is being fought on the lines of the caste. It seems that both the parties are primarily banking upon castes that they have been winning for a long time or are trying to target opposition’s vote bank.

The BJP has given a ticket to Ram Lamba, son of the late Sawarlaal Jat, which means that they have their eyes on 2.5 million Jat voters. The BJP feels that the sympathies of Jat community will help them gain votes.

It is not just BJP who is resorting to caste politics, Congress too is targeting Muslim voters. They associated with Wajid Cheetah, the young leader of the Cheetah society, who has been associated with the Muslim society for a long time now.

The BJP has prepared its legislators to monitor votes on caste basis. They are preparing leaders of the major castes in the Ajmer Parliamentary Constituency. These leaders will be in touch with their caste people and leaders of the social organisations.

There is an impression that the Rajputs are angry with BJP for many reasons, and so CM Vasundhara Raje is paying more attention to the Rajput society. She is trying her level best to get the Rajputs on her side by constantly saying that her mother, Mrs Vijay Raje is one of the founding members of Scindia BJP. She says that BJP can never be against the Rajputs.

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam