dna analysis: Jaswant Singh fighting a war of supremacy?

Former Union minister and BJP veteran Jaswant Singh on Sunday announced to contest General Election as Independent from Barmer.

For most of his supporters, it’s the emotional surge to contest last election from home turf that is driving Singh to go against the party lines. But if political implications are explored it’s also the war of supremacy in the region and the Lok Sabha election will have long lasting impact.

“Jaswant Singh or his son Manvendra are prominent leaders and belong to Rajput family. The family has been maintaining their influence in the region since years. If Col Sonaram wins the election, there will be two power centres in Barmer from the same party, which is a direct threat to political legacy of Jaswant and his family,” said a senior party leader.

In such a situation, more than winning the election, the first priority of the family will definitely be defeating Col Sonaram.

Despite all BJP legislators promising to support BJP candidate Sonaram, Jaswant is adamant on contesting the election.  

Local leaders opine if Col Sonaram wins the parliamentary election from Barmer seat, he will obviously works to end the political legacy of Singh and his son in the region.

“Unsurprisingly, if Col Sonaram wins the election he will not leave the seat in future. And, this may restrict Manvendra to state politics,” said a senior BJP leader.

Manvendra left the MP seat for his father and that’s why he had successfully contested the Assembly poll, he added.

Sources said it’s being speculated in the party that Col Sonaram will tread the path of Jaswant Singh by introducing his family members in Barmer politics. Overall, more than emotions, Jaswant Singh’s contesting election seems like a battle to save the family’s influence in the region.