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Gehlot’s meeting with BJP MLA sparks buzz
The CM’s unexpected visit to the BJP MLA’s residence has triggered speculations. However, Vyas clarified that the chief minister visited her for a courtesy meeting and to enquire about her health
JODHPUR
The political atmosphere in Jodhpur has heated up after chief minister Ashok Gehlot visited the residence of BJP MLA Suryakanta Vyas from the Soorsagar constituency late on Tuesday night.
In its second list of candidates, the BJP has not given ticket to 85-year-old Vyas and instead fielded Devendra Joshi. Vyas has contested assembly elections 7 times and is a six-time MLA.
Gehlot arrived in Jodhpur on Monday, and during that time, he mentioned that Vyas had previously blessed and praised him.
The CM’s unexpected visit to the BJP MLA’s residence has triggered speculations. However, Vyas clarified that the chief minister visited her for a courtesy meeting and to enquire about her health.
Earlier on Tuesday, the CM greeted Vyas when he saw her at the Dussehra ground.
The Soorsagar constituency has remained outside of Congress’s control since it became a general seat during delimitation in 2008, despite Suryakanta Vyas consistently winning elections there. The Chief Minister also met with local organization office bearers during his visit to Jodhpur to find a strong candidate for the Soorsagar seat.
An official associated with the district Congress pointed out the challenge in candidate selection for Soorsagar. This seat is one of the three constituencies in the chief minister’s hometown, but the Congress’s strategy has not been effective here.
The party is contemplating the possibility of fielding a candidate from Brahmin community this time, as the BJP has consistently fielded Brahmin candidates. Given the change in the candidate for Soorsagar this time, the CM’s visit to Vyas has garnered attention. When the CM arrived at her house, Vyas welcomed him with a garland,.
A BJP office-bearer suggested that the chief minister’s meeting with Vyas might be an attempt to gain political advantage or to send a message to the Brahmin community. Explaining the situation, he mentioned the ongoing verbal war between Gehlot and Union Jal Shakti minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. “Vyas had publicly commented on not receiving the ticket, implying that Union Minister Shekhawat might not have supported her candidacy,” he said. “The CM’s visit could be seen as a targeted move against the Union Minister.”
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