Even as supporters of Kirodi Lal Meena were cheering his Ghar Wapsi in Jaipur on the Rajya Sabha nomination day, the story in Lalsot, from where the strongman seeks his vote had a different script to narrate.
Chhuttan Meena, a staunch Kirodi supporter, is little perturbed over his decision. While applying Kaththa on a meetha paan at his Paan shop near bus stand, he said, “Daktar sahab should have asked us before taking this decision. We supported him because both BJP and Congress have failed to do anything for us. We feel like betrayed,” Meena handing over paan to Brij Lal Sharma, whose reply underlines the current political scenario in the state. “It’s all matter of convenience. Politics is not practised in the field. It’s now an alliance formulated in air conditioned halls, putting all ideologies at stake,” he said.
Just 50 metres away, a sabzi vendor Kalu Ram Mali, has smile on his face. He feels that Daktar Sahab now can contribute more. “BJP government had bundled him. He was helpless and was not able to get even a road constructed. Now as an MP he will be have more power and entire Dausa district will be benefitted, he said signaling a kachcha road, which has been unlaid for over 3 years.
The district headquarter Dausa appeared more vibrant. BJP party members were in a frenzy over this turn of event. They feel that their loyalty with BJP has been challenged.
“There are five assembly segments in Dausa. With Kirodicoming back there is every likelihood that his people will get preference in ticket distribution. What is our future? asks Ramesh Sharma, who is eyeing a ticket this time. Similarly, another BJP leader, who requested anonymity is worried about his political fate.
“I dedicated my whole life to the party. When Dr. Kirodi was with party, I supported him and when he left I opened front against him. Now as he had comeback powerful, he may harm me politically, he said.
The Congress, on the other hand, looks relaxed on this development. In the last election, it had lost all the five seats - Lalsot, Bandikui, Dausa, Sikrai and Mahua - largely due to NPP encroaching its votebank.
“Now that the contest will be straight with BJP, our chances have increased. Moreover we will get support of people who have been opposing Meena, “ said a Congress leader, adding, “dissent against Meena has been brewing in the district and BJP will ultimately suffer loss.”
The sentiments of Dausa, however, is not travelling to Jaipur - the real action ground. Even in the Roadways bus which connects Jaipur-Dausa, passengers are of the view that Meena’s inclusion in party will benefit BJP.
“Despite Meena’s unruly behaviour with her, Raje has let Meena not only join BJP again but also become an MP. It must have left many people heartburnt. But her masterstroke will help BJP surge ahead at least in 45 assembly segments where Meena wields his influence,” said Rakhi Tanwar, a government school teacher who travels up and down daily from Jaipur.
