Rajasthan assembly elections: Big parties play safe, third front excited

JAIPUR: The state headquarters of major political parties — BJP and the Congress are giving a cold shoulder to the poll results. The ceremonial gathering of senior leaders watching results with party workers on a big screen at BJP office has not been decided this time. Even after exit polls declared a victory for Congress, the party has not planned any programme on that day. The counting will be held on December 11 8 am onwards.


Both the parties are playing it safe and have decided to not react until the results seem to be in their favour. Senior leaders of both the parties will remain in Jaipur but the parties have not disclosed their schedule. “Nothing special has been done as the party office has all the facilities in-built,” said Anand Sharma, of media cell, BJP. Sources in the party say that as soon as victory for the party will be clear, the senior leaders present in the city will rush to the headquarters. “City BJP leaders have been asked to visit the office to brief journalists and the party workers after the results,” said a BJP source.

Similarly, Congress also has not planned anything at its headquarters. Pratap Singh Kachariyawas, spokesperson Congress said that as the momentum will build up in favour of Congress, the number of party workers and supporters will swell. “As the day progresses, you will find Congress headquarters as the centre of all attraction,” said Kachariyawas.

On the other hand, the office of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, the third front, is abuzz with activities as they have made a control room to reach out to all non-BJP and Congress winning candidates. Ravindra Singh, organizational secretary, RLP said, “Government cannot be formed without the support of third front and independent candidates. Our party is set to emerge as the third biggest party and it is obvious that several independent candidates are in touch with us.” They have formed several teams to build contact with the independent candidates who are declared victorious.

The smaller parties have called all their office bearers at the office to watch the results. Both

Social Democratic Party of India

(SDPI) and People’s Green Party (PGP) will have a discussion on the results. “Seats don’t matter, we will play a responsible role in opposition in the assembly or outside the assembly,” said Mohammed Rizwan, state president, SDPI. His views were echoed by the state president of PGP, Tanmay Sharma.