In the electoral battle of Rajasthan, which claims to change the political tradition of power shifts every five years, Congress initiated Congress’s “7 Guarantees Yatra” from the capital, Jaipur, on Tuesday. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, through this Yatra, also officially launched the Congress’s election campaign in Jaipur.
Ashok Gehlot commenced this Yatra by offering prayers at the revered Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple in the Pink City. Afterwards, he visited the Krishna Pranami Temple in Rajapark, the Gurudwara in Rajapark, and the Vaishno Devi Temple. In the evening, he also visited the revered Govind Dev Ji Temple in the city.
People are the ultimate decision-makers: Gehlot
During the Congress 7 Guarantees Yatra, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated in a conversation with the media that Congress had given 10 guarantees earlier, which have been implemented. He said, “Now, people believe that what we promise, we deliver. We have given 7 guarantees now, and the election manifesto will be released soon. The government has worked for five years.
Hence, there is no anti-incumbency wave. The 10 guarantees are excellent, and the 25 lakh insurance coverage is historic. Now, we have given 7 guarantees. Their promotion will help people analyze them. Based on our work, we deserve their votes. The people are the ultimate decision-makers.”
According to political analysts, the Congress’s Yatra is seen as the Congress’s soft Hindutva card. During the Yatra, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was sometimes seen travelling by bus and sometimes by car. At various places, he walked to greet and meet the people.
The 7 Guarantees Yatra was initiated from the Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple. This area falls under the Malviya Nagar assembly constituency. Following this, the Yatra reached Rajapark, which is in the Adarsh Nagar assembly constituency. Gehlot and other leaders also visited the offices of Congress candidate Rafiq Khan from Adarsh Nagar during this Yatra. Similarly, Gehlot initiated the party’s campaign in the Hawa Mahal and Kishanpole assembly areas through this Yatra.
Congress’s Soft Hindutva Card
Congress is increasingly leaning towards the soft Hindutva direction in the election. Archana Sharma, the Congress candidate from Malviya Nagar, is the daughter-in-law of the late Acharya Dharmendra. After starting the Yatra from the Moti Dungari Ganesh Temple, the CM visited the Krishna Pranami Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple, and the Gurudwara in Rajapark. Besides, just before the elections, Congress has also inducted Sadhvi Anadi Saraswati of Ajmer the party, who is the granddaughter of Martyr Hemu Kalani.
Special Focus on Muslim Majority Seats
Special attention was given to Muslim majority seats, with a roadshow taking place. Adarsh Nagar is a Muslim majority seat from where Congress has fielded Rafiq Khan for the elections. Additionally, Hawa Mahal and Kishanpole assembly seats are also considered Muslim-majority areas. The Congress has given tickets to A R Atrawali from Hawa Mahal and Amin Kagzi from Kishanpole.
Engaging with Gig Workers
During the Yatra, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also met with delivery partners. He mentioned, “The state government has introduced the Gig Workers Act. Rajasthan is recognised worldwide because of this act. Demand for such acts is now being made in other states worldwide. The state government has made continuous efforts for social security. A separate budget has been presented for farmers.” The party’s state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Working Committee member Bhavvar Jitendra Singh, Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Congress candidate from Malviya Nagar Archana Sharma, Congress candidate Rafiq Khan from Adarsh Nagar, co-in-charge Amrita Dhawan, and Kazi Nizamuddin were also present, along with PC Chaturvedi, the general secretary of the PCC, and other Congress leaders were present during the occasion.
