Caste Test For BJP, Congress In Bharatpur Reserved Seat

Erstwhile royals of Bharatpur scripted the political narrative till 2008. But the political battlefield has shifted to dominant

Jatavs and Kolis

after the delimitation, reserving the seat for STs. Though Meo Muslim voters play an important role, the old rivalry between the two communities is exploited by both BJP and Congress to their advantage.


In the current general elections, the saffron party dropped incumbent MP Bahadur Singh Koli, who had won by 2.45 lakh votes in 2014. Things were going downhill for Bahadur Singh after he was caught on camera slapping a toll booth worker in 2016.

He has replaced by Rajeeta Koli, daughter-in-law of three-time MP Ganga Ram Koli, who represented the Bayana Lok Sabha constituency that was dissolved in 2008. A new entrant in politics with Class IX qualification, Koli is an absolute contrast to Congress candidate Abhijeet Kumar Jatav, a former Indian Revenue officer.

While BJP hopes to tap the support of Brahmins, Vaishyas, Kolis and other communities, Congress’ fortune hinges on Jatavs and Muslims. The constituency also has a fair number of Jat voters, whom both parties are wooing. Though it would be natural for the Jats to tilt towards Congress because of state minister and member of the erstwhile royal family Vishvendra Singh, the local Congress unit fears the community’s votes are likely to get divided.

Water and illegal mining are the major issues of the constituency, which, much like in other constituencies, do not find much reference during the campaigning. The focus continues to be around nationalism and PM Narendra Modi for BJP, while Congress is trying hard to raise issues of GST, development and others.

A tough contest is on the cards for both Koli and Jatav, particularly due to the presence of Bahujan Samah Party (BSP) candidate Suraj Pradhan Jatav. Though the BSP candidate is not likely to pose big challenge, he is likely to polarise Jatav voters.