Rajasthan Bypolls: Unexpected Surge of Bharat Adivasi Party

In the ongoing Rajasthan bypolls, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition Congress party are facing unexpected competition from the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP). As of the latest updates, BAP candidates are leading in two out of the seven seats.

Background:

• In May 2023, seven Assembly seats in Rajasthan fell vacant due to the deaths of incumbents or defections.
• By-elections were scheduled for November 3, 2023.
• The BJP and Congress have been the dominant parties in Rajasthan, with the BJP holding a majority in the state Assembly.

Current Results:

• The BAP, a relatively new party formed in 2021, has emerged as a surprise challenger.
• In the Dhariawad seat, BAP candidate Nagraj Meena is leading by a significant margin.
• In the Vallabhnagar seat, BAP candidate Rajkumar Roat holds a narrow lead over the BJP candidate.
• In the Jhunjhunu seat, the BJP's Vivek Pratap Singh is leading over Congress candidate Rajesh Singh.
• In the Chorasi seat, the BJP's Sanju Devi is trailing BAP candidate Rima Meena.
• The other seats are witnessing a close fight between the BJP and Congress.

Political Analysis:

• The BAP's strong performance highlights the growing discontent among Adivasi communities in Rajasthan. Adivasis constitute a significant portion of the population in the state.
• The party has effectively tapped into issues such as reservation, land rights, and social justice.
• The BJP and Congress have traditionally been seen as representing the interests of upper-caste communities. The BAP's rise may force them to recalibrate their electoral strategies.
• The bypoll results could have implications for the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections. The BJP will need to address the grievances of Adivasi voters, while Congress will need to find ways to counter the BAP's challenge.

FAQs:

1. Who is the leader of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP)?

   • Rameshwar Patel

2. In which seats is the BAP leading?

   • Dhariawad and Vallabhnagar

3. Which Assembly seat is witnessing a direct contest between BJP and Congress?

   • Jhunjhunu

4. Which seat has the BJP candidate trailing behind the BAP candidate?

   • Chorasi

5. What is the significance of the BAP's performance in these bypolls?

   • It highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Adivasi communities and could affect the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly elections.