Veterans in fray evoke keen interest in R'sthan

A host of veteran politicians, including Balram Jakhar, Buta Singh and Sheesh Ram Ola, are contesting in Rajasthan this time round.

A host of veteran politicians are contesting in Rajasthan this time round, making it one of the most keenly followed state by political pundits.

HT Image

Veterans making the electoral battle keen include former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar and former Union Home Minister Buta Singh.

Jakhar was elected to Lok Sabha from Sikar in 1984 and 1991 polls and from Bikaner in 1998. However he lost the last election from Sikar and is now contesting from Chur in the ensuing polls taking-on Ramsingh Kaswan of BJP, a memb er of dissolved Lok Sabha.

Buta Singh has been nominated by Congress from Jalore from where he won 1984, 1991, 1998 and 1999 polls.

Another veteran Congresman Sheesh Ram Ola will be again on his home turf Jhunjhunu from where he has been winning since 1996.

Besides these veterans, Bollywood star Dharmendra is also making his electoral debut from Rajasthan.

In an effort to improve its tally of 16 seats out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the desert state, the BJP has roped in Dharmendra nominating him from Bikaner where saffron party had been able to win only once in 1996.

Dharmendra would fight it out against Congress candidate Rameshwar Dudi, who is the sitting MP.