The much-anticipated Anta Assembly by-election, which had stirred a storm in Rajasthan politics, has concluded with a decisive verdict. Voters have elected Congress veteran Pramod Jain Bhaya as their representative for the fourth time, marking not just a personal triumph but a significant wake-up call for Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's government.
In a nail-biting 20-round vote count, Bhaya clinched victory by a massive margin of 15,594 votes. This win underscores the electorate's faith in Bhaya's development initiatives while rejecting the BJP's strategies and local influence.
Political corridors are buzzing, viewing this by-poll as an early "referendum" on CM Sharma's administration. Despite aggressive campaigning by BJP stalwarts like Vasundhara Raje and the CM himself, the party couldn't stem the tide. BJP's Morpal Suman finished second, while independent candidate Naresh Meena secured third place.
Dotasra Congratulates Bhaya Over Phone
Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra called Bhaya to extend congratulations even before the official announcement. Bhaya's wife, Urmila Jain, expressed joy, stating, "This victory is for development and service. The people have voted for Pramod Jain Bhaya's efforts, and we will live up to their trust."
Why Did Pramod Jain Bhaya Win? Key Factors
Bhaya learned from past electoral missteps and adopted a cautious, voter-centric strategy this time. He prioritized personal outreach, visiting homes to connect with voters and treating the campaign like a meticulously planned battle. His micro-management proved overwhelming for the BJP.
Congress elevated the by-poll to a matter of prestige, deploying full force. Top leaders including AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot, former CM Ashok Gehlot, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Julie, and Ashok Chandana campaigned jointly. Their unified roadshows and rallies energized workers and delivered a strong message to voters.
Vote Tally: How Candidates Fared
| Party/Candidate | Votes Received |
|---|---|
| Congress - Pramod Jain Bhaya | 69,462 |
| BJP - Morpal Suman | 53,868 |
| Independent - Naresh Meena | 53,740 |
