BJP announces candidates for Vallabhnagar, Dhariyawad by-elections

Jaipur: The BJP has announced candidates for the assembly by-elections scheduled to take place in Vallabhnagar and Dhariyawad seats on October 30. The saffron party has nominated Himmat Singh Jhala for Vallabhnagar and Khet Singh Meena for Dhariyawad. The BJP has not fielded a family member of late MLA Gautam Lal Meena in Dhariyawad defying reports that the party would likely seek sympathy votes.  

Kanhaiyalal Meena was a strong contender from Gautam Meena’s family. Kanhaiyalal is the son of the late legislator. Speculations were rife that he would be fielded by the BJP. However, the BJP has fielded Khet Singh Meena who is a supporter of the Leader of Opposition Gulabchand Kataria.

Gulabchand Kataria was sidelined in Vallabhnagar as Himmat Singh Jhala is not considered his close aide. Sources said that fielding Jhala has led to a controversy among the BJP workers in the constituency. Earlier there were reports that the ticket would be given to the wife of former MLA Randhir Singh Bhinder, but due to Kataria’s protest, she was not fielded. Bhinder’s wife has now filed her nomination as an independent candidate.

The BJP has tried to take a lead by announcing the names of the candidates before the Congress. Now the real test before the BJP is to keep the vote bank united and prevent malpractices. As per the election schedule, the nominations started on October 1. The last date for nominations is October 8. Nominations can be withdrawn by October 13. The voting will take place on October 30 and the result will be declared on November 2.