Congress is likely to face rebellion after its ticket declaration

Even as suspense over tickets continue, Congress is likely to face rebellion after its declaration. There are reports of standoffs between top leaders over several seats resulting into delay in ticket declaration.

The delay is causing restlessness among ticket seekers and their supporters, who, on Tuesday, staged demonstrations before the house of Rameshwar Dudi, leader of opposition in the assembly demanding ticket declaration.

Rameshwar Dudi, according to sources, locked horns with state party chief Sachin Pilot over tickets on few seats falling under Bikaner division, from where Dudi has considerable influence.


"The face of unity in Congress has suffered cracks. They are frightened with our line up. Hence, they are struggling to finalise its first list itself," said BJP state chief Madan Lal Saini.

Dudi, however refuted having any issue with Pilot, saying that he was just raising concerns of hard core party workers.
"We have no issues. But raising genuine concern is my duty," he said.

Sources in the party, however indicated that selection is stuck due to the difference of opinion of party leaders, especially former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, state chief Sachin Pilot and leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi.

"In BJP, there seems to be only two centres of power - chief minister Vasundhara Raje and party chief Amit Shah. The process was more smooth. But in Congress there seems to be lot of intra party differences between state leaders and then central leadership. Consensus looks difficult to reach by," said a senior party leader.

Political observers feel that the anxiety for ticket will turn into anger if the aspirant doesn't get the ticket.

"We are seeing it in BJP. We will again see this in Congress, which is much vulnerable to rebellion as the party was out of power for five years. Now since survey results are showing signs of its return, demand for its ticket is more," said Ramcharan Singhal, a political analyst.

The delay in ticket declaration is also causing chaos in constituency. Aspirants of respective constituencies have started approaching voters seeking support for the party.

"This is causing confusion as to who is contesting election from Congress. Two-three leaders are approaching us in individual capacity, claiming to be the real contestant. We are confused. This will cost the party dearly," said Rakesh Agrawal, a resident of Malviya Nagar, where two Congress candidates are canvassing simultaneously.