Jaipur, The BJP played a last-minute gamble on Friday by fielding two candidates for Rajya Sabha polls — it is sure to get only one seat. The party is trying to cash in on Congress factionalism which came to the fore after candidates recommended by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were shortlisted while those suggested by his deputy Sachin Pilot were “ignored”.
Factionalism within the Rajasthan Congress was again evident after the party officially declared its candidates, prompting the BJP to cash in on the party split by fielding two candidates at the eleventh hour, reducing the chances of a unanimous election and making the fight tougher.
On Friday, Congress candidates K.C. Venugoal, party general secretary from Kerala, and state Youth Congress’ former president Neeraj Dangi filed their papers after their names were officially declared on Thursday night. The BJP’s Rajendra Gehlot also filed his papers the same day.
However, what came as a surprise was the last-minute candidature of senior BJP leader Omkar Singh Lakhawat.
Lakhawat is perceived to be the last-minute choice by the BJP trying to garner benefit from a divided Congress. According to deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore, the BJP’s decision was influenced by reports of division in the Congress.
While there are whispers for bringing in a candidate from Delhi (Venugopal), there are questions been raised on the second choice Dangi who has lost three Assembly elections as a Congress candidate...
https://www.samajweekly.com/rsthan-rs-polls-bjp-plays-last-minute-gamble-fields-2nd-candidate/
