Farmers Movement Archive

Bypoll: Gehlot & Pilot attend rallies as Congress plays unity card

JAIPUR: The Congress candidates in the three bypoll seats of Rajsamand, Sujangarh and Sahada filed their nomination papers with the party presenting a picture of unity on Tuesday. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, former PCC president and deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and AICC general secretary Ajay Maken were present in the nomination functions and addressed rallies. Chief minister sought vote for development. He said by electing the ruling party, the voters would strengthen the government in its resolve to continue with the good work. It will send a message to bureaucracy as well to pull up its socks and deliver. He alleged that democracy and free speech is in danger under the BJP rule at the Centre. Gehlot said that the state is launching registration of universal health insurance cover from April 1 under which Rs 5 lakh medical insurance cover will be provided to all. Similarly, he said that those higher secondary schools that have more than 500 girl students will be upgraded to colleges to promote girls’ education. The CM accused the BJP of thriving on spreading rumours on social media. He added that it should be taught a lesson on the ill-treatment meted out to farmers who have been agitating against the farm laws for the last four months. Congress has fielded late former minister Bhanwarlal Meghwal’s son, Manoj Meghwal from the Sujangarh assembly seat which fell vacant after his death last year. Manoj Meghwal is pitted against BJP leader and former minister Khemaram Meghwal. Bhanwarlal Meghwal, who was the state social justice and empowerment minister, died of brain stroke in November last year. For the Sahada assembly constituency, the ruling Congress has fielded Gayatri Devi against BJP candidate and former MLA Ratanlal Jat. This seat fell vacant after Gayatri Devi’s husband Kailash Trivedi died in October after being infected with Covid-19. Tansukh Bohara will contest from Rajsamand, which fell vacant after BJP MLA Kiran Maheshwari died due to Covid complications in November last year. Bohara, a social worker, has been fielded by Congress against Maheshwari’s daughter and BJP candidate Deepti Maheshwari. Polling in these three constituencies will be held on April 17 from 7am to 6pm and counting will take place on May 2. Tuesday was the last date to file nomination papers. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be on March 31 and nominations can be withdrawn by April 3.

The Times of India

2021-03-31

Udaipur