Ahead of second list, Rajasthan Cong asks for police protection

The Congress has to choose between the disgruntled but veteran Jat community leaders and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s lobby on the one hand and the victory potential of the candidates on the other.

The request for police protection came on Sunday from the Congress headquarters in Jaipur, after which a temporary police outpost, manned by four policemen, has been stationed near the office. The request was made in the aftermath of protests by supporters of party leaders who were denied tickets, some whom even managed to break furniture and glass panes in the office.

Congress spokesperson Satinder Raghav justified the protection, claiming that inebriated miscreants and not party workers were creating ruckus. The agitations followed Congress and veteran Jat leader from Jodhpur Parasram Maderna slamming the first Congress list calling it anti-farmer, biased and reeking of sycophancy.

He added that there would be protests from various quarters, but the high command’s decision was final and no changes would be made. “The candidates contesting in Nagaur district, the Jat heartland and important Gurjjar- majority constituencies, including Dausa, will figure in the second list,” he said.

However, political experts in the state believe that Maderna, who is expected to meet party president Sonia Gandhi about Jat representation, was a worrying sign for the Congress, particularly as disgruntled Jat leaders are known to break away from the party and contest as independents.

“The list will somehow have to pacify Maderna and the Jats and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s lobby and also consider winnable candidates, instead of giving in to pressure from veteran leaders,” said a senior leader.

He added that senior state leaders were also dropping names of Congress leaders in Delhi to avoid further revolts in the state.