Congress leaves 5 Seats for allies in Rajasthan

Eyeing a Grand Alliance in 2019, Congress has offered five seats to its allies while announcing its third list for 13 seats in Rajasthan. The party has reserved 2 seats each for Ajit Singh’s RLD and Sharad Yadav’s LJD and one seat for Sharad Pawar’s NCP.

In a dramatic turn of events, Congress replaced Yashpal Gehlot with KL Jhanwar at Bikaner (East) seat. Jhanwar was earlier replaced by Yashpal Gehlot, who was replaced by B D Kalla at Bikaner (West). Kalla, former Congress state president, was denied ticket earlier that led to widespread protest in Bikaner. The party was then forced to induct Kalla, replacing Gehlot from Bikaner (West).

The reinstatement of Jhanwar’s ticket came after leader of opposition Rameshwar Dudi threatened to withdraw from the contest. Besides, Lal Singh Jhala has been replaced by PL Dangi at Mavli. The party has also fielded Ajay Bohra from Mahua.


Former minister Bina Kak, who has been the Congress face from Sumerpur (Pali), was also denied a ticket. The Congress list included names of former health minister Durru Miyan from Tijara and sitting MP from Alwar Karan Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Kishangarh-Bas.

The selection of candidates reflects a ‘power division’ between state party chief Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, keeping the contest alive for chief ministership if the party wins the elections.

Gehlot managed tickets for 23 of his former cabinet colleagues while Pilot was able to get tickets for more than 60 fresh faces.