Rajasthan: AAP plans all-out battle amid infighting within BJP, Congress
What's the story
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is planning to fight an all-out electoral battle in Rajasthan, where Assembly elections are due later this year. The party began its campaigning with a modest "Tiranga rally" on Monday in Jaipur amid infighting within the ruling Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP is pitching for a third option in Rajasthan, which has only witnessed binary politics.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The AAP hopes to make inroads in Rajasthan, months after ending the BJP's 15-year rule in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Reportedly, the AAP is also planning to contest all 200 seats in the Rajasthan assembly election. With its four-lakh-plus members, the party is hoping to do well in districts that border Punjab.
Twitter Post
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann joins Tiranga rally in Jaipur
Thank You Jaipur 😍
— AAP Rajasthan (@AAPRajasthan) March 13, 2023
Thank You Rajasthan 😍#RajasthanMeinBhiKejriwal pic.twitter.com/U95ROI6bK7
Infighting
Raje's rift with central leadership may benefit AAP
While former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje is widely regarded as the BJP's face in the state, her disagreements with the party's central leadership may benefit AAP. According to reports, the party is considering appointing new leaders, including BJP state president Satish Poonia and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Similarly, CM Ashok Gehlot and his erstwhile Deputy Sachin Pilot are often and openly at odds.
Background
AAP's entry changes dynamics of poll battle
Going by electoral tradition in Rajasthan, the BJP should win the assembly elections. However, with the BJP and Congress in disarray, the AAP intends to fight all 200 Assembly seats and make advances in the state. AAP has about four lakh members in Rajasthan and aims to do well in areas bordering Punjab like Hanumangarh, Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Churu.