The political arena in Madhya Pradesh is heating up as the upcoming assembly bypolls for Budhni and Vijaypur constituencies draw near. With the dates set for November 13 and counting of votes on November 23, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced two prominent candidates: Ramakant Bhargava for Budhni and Ramniwas Rawat for Vijaypur. These bypolls hold significant importance for both the BJP and the opposition as they battle for dominance in the state’s political landscape.
Ramakant Bhargava for Budhni
The BJP has chosen former Member of Parliament (MP) Ramakant Bhargava to contest from the Budhni assembly seat, located in Sehore district. Bhargava, a native of Shahganj within the Budhni constituency, served as an MP from Vidisha from 2019 to 2024. His deep-rooted ties to the region and proximity to former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who previously represented Budhni, make Bhargava a formidable candidate for the seat.
The bypoll in Budhni was necessitated by the resignation of Shivraj Singh Chouhan after his election to the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat. Chouhan, now the Union Agriculture Minister, had held the Budhni seat for five consecutive terms since 2006, having first been elected to it in 1990. In BJP circles, Bhargava is considered close to Chouhan, and the Budhni assembly segment forms a crucial part of the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency. Bhargava’s selection signals the BJP’s intent to retain its stronghold in Budhni.
Ramniwas Rawat for Vijaypur
In Vijaypur, located in Sheopur district, the BJP has fielded Ramniwas Rawat, a seasoned political player who recently switched sides from the Congress. Rawat, currently the state’s Forest Minister, had earlier served as a Congress MLA for Vijaypur, winning the seat six times during his tenure with the opposition party. He resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP before this year’s Lok Sabha elections, which saw a resounding victory for the saffron party in Madhya Pradesh.
Rawat’s candidature in Vijaypur on the BJP’s lotus symbol marks a significant turn in the constituency’s political dynamics. Having a strong personal connection with voters and a track record of victories in Vijaypur as a Congress leader, Rawat’s switch to the BJP could potentially swing the balance in favor of the ruling party. The Vijaypur seat fell vacant due to Rawat’s resignation from the Congress, and now, he seeks to reclaim the constituency under a new political banner.
Key Details of the Bypolls
As per the schedule released by the Election Commission, the filing of nominations began on October 18 and will continue until October 25. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on October 28, and candidates can withdraw their nominations by October 30. With the model code of conduct now in place in Sheopur and Sehore districts, political activity in both constituencies is gaining momentum.
In the Vijaypur constituency, there are 2,54,647 registered voters, including 1,21,091 female voters, 1,33,554 male voters, two from the third gender, and 103 service voters. A total of 327 polling stations will be set up to facilitate the election process in this constituency.
Meanwhile, Budhni has 2,76,397 eligible voters, with 1,33,280 female voters, 1,43,111 male voters, six from the third gender, and 194 service voters. A total of 363 polling stations will be established in Budhni for the smooth conduct of the election.
Congress Yet to Announce Candidates
As of now, the Congress party has not declared its candidates for either Budhni or Vijaypur. With the filing of nominations already underway, political observers are keenly watching for the opposition’s choices, as they will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of these bypolls.
Significance of the Bypolls
These bypolls hold immense significance for the political future of Madhya Pradesh. For the BJP, retaining Budhni and gaining Vijaypur would not only cement its dominance in the state but also bolster its chances in the upcoming state elections. On the other hand, the Congress will be aiming to regain lost ground and present a formidable challenge to the ruling party.
The strong personal connections of both Bhargava and Rawat with their respective constituencies, coupled with their political acumen, make these bypolls highly competitive. As voters head to the polls on November 13, all eyes will be on Budhni and Vijaypur to see which way the political winds blow in Madhya Pradesh.