Bikaner, a city famous for bhujias and Kundan jewellery, has been a stronghold of the BJP in Rajasthan for the last 15 years. But in this election, the BJP is in a tough fight as the cottage industries are facing problems due to ceratin government policies. To add to the woes, the farming belt of the region has started seeing BJP as anti-farmer due to inadequate prices and problems in procurement.

BJP’s candidate Arjun Ram Meghwal has won twice from the seat. In his third fight, he has to deal not just with a rejuvenated Opposition camp, but also with some of his opponents within the party. After certain violent incidents during a bandh called by Dalit organisations in April last year, a social media campaign targeted Meghwal— who himself is a Dalit — claiming he supported criminals involved in the incidents.

“This has annoyed a section of Brahmins and Rajputs in the district,” says Surendra Bhargav, a BJP worker from the town. Bhargava works for a jewellery manufacturer. He agrees that after GST and demonetisation, his daily income got reduced to ₹500 from ₹2,000. “But the measures were for streamlining the economy,” he said.

‘A vindictive action’

A BJP strongman in the area, Devi Singh Bhati, has also been using such campaigns to deny Meghwal a chance to fight for the third time. Meghwal, however, said such campaigns are organised by the Congress as a vindictive action for taking up an alleged land deal case against Robert Vadra, husband of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The constituency has sizeable Jat and Muslim population too. The majority of the Jat voters are farmers and they are annoyed with the BJP over farm distress. While a major section of the farming land remains non-irrigated, drought and hailstorm have played havoc and the farmers did not get compensation as per their demand. “The insurance companies deny compensation to us. The Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme is for the companies, not for us,” said Jagdish Bishnoi, a farmer from Lunkaransar.

The BJP is hopeful of retaining the support of youngsters of the region. The party is also showcasing the anti-terrorist attacks by the security forces to attract voters of the constituency bordering Pakistan. “People will vote for the BJP in the name of Modi. The party may have some organisational issues and anti-incumbency against Meghwal, but it will have no impact here,” said Kishan, another BJP worker.

The Congress is citing decline in bhujiya industry as one of the issues to get votes.

The district saw several farmer agitations. “Agrarian distress is the only issue before the electorate. The input cost has increased. But there is no adequate price for the crops. Farmers consider both the BJP and the Congress as their enemies,” said CPI(M)’s candidate Shopat Ram Meghwal.

For more stories, click here - India Votes: Lok Sabha Elections 2019

comment COMMENT NOW