CPM opens account in Raj, recounting in 2 of its 4 wins

CPI(M) has won two seats in this desert state and may increase its tally with two more if the results went its way after a recount of votes ordered by the state election authorities.

CPI(M) has won two seats in this desert state and may increase its tally with two more if the results went its way after a recount of votes ordered by the state election authorities.

While CPI(M) contestants have been declared winners in Anupgarh and Dodh constituencies, recounting has been ordered in Data Ramgarh and Lakhmangarh seats as the victory margins there were too small. The party had fielded 34 candidates.

Riding on a poll plank of water and power for farmers, Congress worker-turned Communist activist Pavan Duggal beat Harnik Singh Kaler of BJP in north-western Rajasthan’s Anupgarh constituency.

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CPI(M) scored a decisive victory in with Duggal beating Kaler by a margin of 18,000 votes.

The party managed a victory in Dodh, where Prema Ram came out with flying colours.

The fate of Amra Ram from Data Ramgarh and B S Mill from Lakshmangarh will be known later since recounting has been ordered after their winning margins were very narrow.

The Marxist party efforts in leading the farmers’ agitation along with Congress and against the Raje administration paid dividends. Congress, later, withdrew from the movement and sided with the government, creating angst among cotton farmers and traders in the region.

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During the agitation for Indira Gandhi canal water in 2005, Anupgarh constituency saw the worst violence which claimed 27 lives after police resorted to open fire to control a violent mob.

CPI(M) has retained the Dodh seat for the third time. The party’s lone MLA Amra Ram had won the seat twice. This time, the party directed him to contest from the Data Ramgarh constituency after the delimitation.