BHOPAL : A survey got conducted by the BJP has revealed that Nirmala Bhuria, MLA from Petlawad constituency has a good standing amongst the electorate and people want her to be given ticket for the Jhabua-Ratlam Lok Sabha bye-elections, which have become a prestige issue for Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan.
The survey has also revealed that the party would benefit electorally if MLA Nagar Singh Chauhan is made a Minister.
BJP had got preliminary assessment of its prospects and trends in Jhabua-Ratlam constituency done, which fell vacant due to the demise of Dilip Singh Bhuria.
The survey report states that sympathy factor and caste equations may tilt the balance in Nirmala’s favour.
Nirmala belongs to Bhil community, which dominates the Ratlam-Jhabua constituency. Former MP Kantilal Bhuria also belongs to the Bhil community and if they both contest, a division of votes would be inevitable. Nagar Singh comes from the Bhilala community. If he is made a Minister, the votes of Bhilala community may fall in BJP kitty.
The voters of general category in Ratlam are already pro-BJP and in this scenario, there is a strong possibility of the BJP’s piping the Congress to the post.
It has also come to the fore in the survey that Ministers should be given constituency-wise responsibility in this area. The survey, which was conducted during Chauhan’s tour of this constituency, concludes that his meetings will play a big role in BJP’s win.
Jhabua is considered a citadel of the Congress. Dilip Singh Bhuria got advantage of the ‘Modi wave’ during Lok Sabha general elections but there is possibility of close contest in the coming bye-polls. Moreover, the Petlavad tragedy may adversely impact BJP’s electoral fortunes. The survey report has also suggested Gayatri Devi, wife of Tukojirao Puar, be given ticket for bye-polls on Dewas Assembly seat. BJP has almost decided to field her from Dewas.
BJP state election panel meeting today
A meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party State Election Committee would be organised on Sunday at 10 am in connection with by-polls on Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seat and Dewas Assembly seat. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and State President Nandkumar Singh Chauhan would be present in the meeting. Many members of the Committee would not be able to attend this meeting due to their assignments related to Bihar Assembly elections. Sources said the name of Gayatri Devi from Dewas would be put up before the Committee in the meeting. Gayatri Devi is wife of Tukojirao Puar and Dewas seat got vacant after his demise. As far as candidate from Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seat is concerned, the party has Petlawad MLA Nirmala Bhuria and an independent MLA Kal Singh Bhabar. The State Election Committee would approve the names for elections on both these seats and forward them to Central Election Committee.
