‘Gehlot factor’ is likely to play big in the mind of chief minister Vasundhara Raje as she launches second leg... Read More

(This story originally appeared in on Aug 24, 2018)

JAIPUR: The ‘Gehlot factor’ is likely to play big in the mind of chief minister Vasundhara Raje as she launches second leg of her Gaurav Yatra on Friday in Jodhpur division - the home borough of former chief minister Ashok Gehlot .

Jodhpur division is BJP’s important political fort, which has sent 2 ministers at centre and 4 ministers in Rajasthan government. The Jodhpur division comprises six districts – Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Pali, Sirohi and Jalore.

On the same day, 400 kms away at Chittorgarh, Congress would be launching Sankalp rally to counter Raje’s Gaurav Yatra. Congress state chief Sachin Pilot said that the rally will expose promises made by Raje government.

Meanwhile, in Jodhpur division, Raje’s focus would be to keep the party’s position intact. In the last elections, BJP clinched 30 out of 33 seats making a big dent in Gehlot’s territory. The caste combination of Jat, Vishnoi, Meghwal and Rajput had worked well for BJP that time.

This time, the situation has become a little challenging with Rajputs backing out from BJP’s fold.

