Third front a far cry in upcoming Rajasthan polls

A united third front seems to be a far cry in the state this poll season, but the smaller parties fighting individually are likely to pose a challenge for both the BJP and Congress on at least 50 of the 200 Assembly constituencies.

Many of these minor parties have influence in segregated parts of northern Rajasthan and might not get most of their candidates elected but definitely hold potential to damage possibilities and equations of the two major parties.

Any formal alliance reached within the fragmented third parties will come as a platform for those breaking away from the BJP and Congress following ticket distribution in state. The third party leaders are already pitching on a common line to oppose either of the major parties.

“We are open to ally with any party and individual other than BJP and Congress. The people of the state are tired of either of these,” claims  Ghanshyam Tiwari state president  of Bharat Vahini Party. Tiwari floated the BVP after breaking away from BJP and his considerably new party already claims to have its network established across all 200 seats. Its influence though remains limited to a few seats from Shekhawati region, urban areas of Jaipur and parts of Karauli and Dholpur. BVP hopes that Tiwari’s face will draw votes from Brahmin community while the Rajput groups irked with the present state BJP government will also come in their support. The party is also in talks with Aam Aadmi Party for a possible understanding and this will provide BVP with support from AAP’s cadre in urban areas while the later expects the alliance to help it gain in rural segments.

The AAP has also been optimistic on seats in Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts bordering Punjab and it has emerged as the second largest party in Punjab and is using its network in the state to increase its influence in the two districts. The party is also reported to be in talks with the Zamidara Party that had won two seats and gained considerable votes in seven of the 11 constituencies at the two districts, in 2013 polls.

“Those willing to get rid of BJP and Congress have been supporting us from all over the state, many in the Zamidara Party are also in our favour,” said a senior leader in AAP.

The BVP and AAP have also been making efforts to make an impact in the districts of Karauli, Alwar, Dausa and Sawai Madhopur. The Nationalist People’s Party of Kirodi Meena had gained huge support from these districts, however, as he returned to BJP fold, the position of third front remains open in the constituencies.

The BSP meanwhile continues to remain a challenge for both BJP and Congress in the eastern districts of Bharatpur and Dholpur. The party has strong support in most constituencies of the area and both Congress and BJP will have to plan ticket distribution keeping this in consideration.

However, other than a large number of smaller parties looking to make a difference, there are individual leaders like Hanuman Beniwal who are waiting to rock the political prospects of BJP and Congress. An Independent MLA from Khinvsar district of Nagaur, Beniwal has been trying to strike a chord with a large population of Jat community in western districts of Rajasthan. Though Beniwal keeps his card close to his chest for now, he has been asking supporters to vote against BJP and Congress.

Apart from this other Independent leaders too have been trying to create a space from themselves before the major parties even as they admit it to be a tough task.