"Political Turmoil in Rajasthan: Congress' Claim of 300 Defections Raises Doubts Over BJP vs BAP Battle"

Congress Leaders Claim 300 Defection at Ashok Gehlot's Residence

Amidst political turmoil, Congress leaders have made a bold assertion that approximately 300 members of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) defected to their party during a gathering at Ashok Gehlot's residence. However, BAP chief Rajkumar Roat has vehemently refuted these claims, labeling them as baseless.

Rajkumar Roat, Member of Parliament and founder of BAP, dismissed the Congress's assertion of a mass exodus from his party, stating that only a few individuals associated with BAP had crossed over. He accused the Congress of inflating the numbers for political gain.

The controversy unfolded after Congress leaders declared that a significant number of BAP members had switched allegiance at the event held in Jaipur. The attendees were reportedly seen doing Congress scarves as a symbol of their newfound support.

In a counter-argument, BAP leaders pointed out that during a previous incident in March 2024, over 400 Congress workers from Banswara had joined the BJP alongside Mahendrajeet Malviya. They clarified that those rejoining Congress were not affiliated with BAP, but had ties to the BJP.

Rajkumar Roat criticized the Congress for its wavering stance and urged them to focus on battling the BJP instead of targeting BAP. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing grassroots work over political maneuvering.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the upcoming urban local body and Panchayat elections in Rajasthan. The OBC Commission is expected to present its report on OBC seat reservations by August 5, with notification for urban local body elections scheduled for August 17.

Nomination filing for urban local body polls will commence on August 22 and conclude by September 20, while Panchayat elections are slated to begin on September 23 and wrap up by November 15. The Rajasthan High Court has been informed of the election schedule, with preparations in full swing.

Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi took a swipe at the BJP's "One Nation, One Election" proposal, criticizing the delay in local body elections. He asserted that the inability to conduct simultaneous local body elections raised doubts about hosting nationwide polls concurrently.

As tensions escalate between the Congress and BAP, the BJP is yet to weigh in on the unfolding political drama. The future implications of these defections and the upcoming elections remain uncertain as the political landscape in Rajasthan continues to evolve.