Preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in Rajasthan are in full swing, with voting scheduled for a single phase across the entire state on November 25. Regarding the BJP, the party has already released two lists of candidates. Following the release of these lists, there is growing concern among BJP workers regarding the candidate selection, leading to strong opposition within the party.
The allocation of a ticket to three-time MLA Siddhi Kumari for the fourth time has caused a significant uproar in Bikaner. Mahaveer Ranka, the State co-coordinator of the BJP Industry Cell and former chairman of UIT in Bikaner, has taken a stand against this decision. He has organized a rally and issued an ultimatum to the party high command, urging them to reconsider their choice of candidate.
On Wednesday, a significant number of protesters took to the streets to voice their discontent over the BJP’s candidate choice for the Bikaner East assembly constituency. The crowd warmly received Mahaveer Ranka, greeting him with flower garlands as he arrived in a car. Under his leadership, demonstrators marched approximately two and a quarter kilometers on foot, from Junagadh Fort to Kotgate. Their collective demand was a reconsideration of the candidate selection by the BJP’s high command. Notably, the protest included a substantial representation of women and individuals from the business community.
Meanwhile, BJP state spokesperson Arpuva Singh Chauhan worked to mitigate the situation by conducting meetings at the party’s office throughout the day. Additionally, state-level BJP leaders made efforts to dissuade supporters of the party’s ideology from participating in protests against the party’s chosen candidate.
Siddhi Kumari
Siddhi Kumari hails from the esteemed Bikaner royal family and has served as the MLA of Bikaner East for three consecutive terms. Holding a Master’s degree in literature, Kumari is generally perceived as a non-controversial leader.
However, allegations have emerged against Kumari, suggesting that she frequently remains absent from her constituency. This has sparked significant dissatisfaction among poeple. Despite her limited presence in the area, the BJP MLA enjoys considerable popularity among the people of Bikaner. It’s worth noting that Siddhi Kumari, born in 1973, made her debut in the assembly elections in 2008.
Mahaveer Ranka
Mahaveer Ranka is a member of the Jain community, has dedicated 27 years to politics and social service. His journey began as an activist in 1995, and he has previously served as the chairman of UIT, Bikaner. Ranka’s notable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him a distinct reputation throughout Bikaner, emphasizing his commitment to public welfare. Additionally, he has been an active participant in both the BJP and RSS. In the context of the current assembly election, he was also vying for the Bikaner East seat, presenting his candidacy.