BJP Faces Defeat in Rajasthan's Shrikaranpur; Congress Emerges Victorious

In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a political setback in Shrikaranpur, Rajasthan, as its candidate, Sureshpal Singh Titi, lost to Congress contender Gajendra Kunner. The defeat, seen as a significant blow to the ruling party, comes shortly after Titi was appointed as a minister in the Bhajan Lal Sharma government.

Gajendra Kunner, the son of late Congress MLA Gurmeet Singh Kunner, secured victory with a margin of 11,283 votes. This unexpected outcome has shifted the political landscape in the northern regions of Rajasthan, where BJP traditionally maintained a stronghold. The Shrikaranpur constituency, located near the Punjab border, witnessed a keenly contested battle in the recent assembly elections.

Titi, who was appointed as a minister just ten days before the election, resigned from his ministerial post after facing defeat. This unique situation marked a historic moment where a minister resigned before even assuming office. Despite being given key responsibilities in the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Command Area Development Ministry, Titi could not sway the voters in his favor.

The BJP's defeat in Shrikaranpur, where it won 115 seats in the assembly elections just a month ago, has raised concerns within the party, signaling potential challenges in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress' victory in this constituency has rejuvenated its political presence in the weak political areas of northern Rajasthan.

The election in Shrikaranpur took an unexpected turn when Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Kunner, the father of Gajendra Kunner, passed away due to illness before the polling date. The Congress, playing the sympathy card, nominated Gajendra Kunner, who secured the seat, further strengthening Congress' position in the state assembly.

BJP's attempt to turn the tide by appointing Titi as a minister and projecting him as a prominent face failed to resonate with the voters. The Congress capitalized on the emotional connect established with the Kunner family, ultimately leading to a remarkable victory.

Political analysts attribute BJP's loss to the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiment, coupled with dissatisfaction among voters. The defeat in Shrikaranpur has underscored the need for the BJP to reassess its strategy and address internal dissent ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections.

As the BJP grapples with this setback, the political landscape in Rajasthan becomes increasingly unpredictable. The defeat in Shrikaranpur serves as a wake-up call for the party, necessitating a reevaluation of its approach in the upcoming electoral battles.