The Hadoti region, positioned as the ‘political epicentre of power’ of Rajasthan, has been a breeding ground for influential leaders, shaping the political landscape with its historical significance and electoral dynamics. Over the years, it has served as a battleground for political heavyweights, including former Chief Ministers Bhairon Singh and Vasundhara Raje. Hadoti continued to produce stalwart leaders, including KK Goyal, Lalit Kishore Chaturvedi, Raghuveer Singh Kaushal, and Harikumar Audichya, who significantly impacted the state’s political scenario.
Beyond its role in supplying power to households through multiple power stations, the Hadoti region has emerged as a pivotal political hub in the state.
Renowned for being a stronghold of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the region witnesses intense electoral contests primarily between arch-rivals Congress and the BJP, with historical roots tracing back to the freedom struggle. Despite a strong presence of the saffron outfit, Congress has fiercely contested elections in Hadoti.
With the fall of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s political era and his elevation as Vice President of India, Vasundhara Raje emerged as a prominent political figure in Hadoti in 2003.
Transforming Jhalawar into her political fortress, she laid the foundation for a strong BJP presence in the region. Currently, the region holds 17 assembly seats, with varied communities like Gujjar, Meena, Dhakar, Mali, and others, contributing to its diverse political fabric.
Recent electoral trends indicate fluctuations in party dominance, with Congress winning in 2008 and 2018, while BJP secured a significant victory in 2013.
As Hadoti gears up for the upcoming assembly polls on 25 November, the political stakes are high for both Congress and BJP.
It remains a crucial juncture where the path to power in the 2018 polls will inevitably pass through the intricate dynamics of the Hadoti region.
