Rajasthan: Cong wins, party heavyweights lose

It may be a big and surprise springing victory of Congress in Rajasthan where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been voted out of power, but the victory of Congress has come along with the defeat of many of the party stalwarts.

It may be a big and surprise springing victory of Congress in Rajasthan where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has been voted out of power, but the victory of Congress has come along with the defeat of many of the party stalwarts. Among those defeated include former Congress presidents of the state and and a former leader of Opposition.

Rajasthan state Pradesh Congress Committee president CP Joshi lost from Nathdwara by just one vote in a very close contest with his closest rival. Joshi was one of the chief contenders as a chief ministerial candidate. Joshi lost to Kalyan Singh of the BJP.

Apart from CP Joshi another Congress leader conspicuous by his defeat is former PCC president BD Kalla. Kalla lost by 18,861 votes from Bikaner West constituency of the Bikaner district. Kalla has been elected five times between 1980 and 2003 to represent the Bikaner city constituency on the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. Kalla was also the Leader of the Opposition between January 2004 and January 2006.

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He was also seen as one of the formidable candidates for the chief ministerial post in the event of Congress coming to power.

Another former state Congress president Narayan Singh also lost in the elections. He has been Pradesh Congress Committee President of Rajasthan till 13 April 2005. Another veteran Congress leader Paras Ram Moradia also lost the election.

Apart from the above listed veterans presidents of 3 frontal organizations also lost in the elections. Neeraj Dangi of Youth Congress, Dheeraj Gujjar of NSUI and Mamata Sharma of the women’s wing were also rejected by the voters.