Independent candidate for Rajya Sabha elections in Rajasthan Santosh Bagrodia forced the BJP to reorganise its efforts to secure victory of its two candidates, including eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani. According to sources, a section of the BJP has been trying to ensure first priority 41 votes to Mr Jethmalani but it has caused resentment in the party.
Former Union minister Santosh Bagrodia’s last-minute entry in fray has upset the saffron party’s equation. His campaign managers projected the industrialist-turned-politician as a son of the soil. A group of Independent MLAs pledged support for him and campaigned for him. Most of the Independent MLAs are with the ruling Congress and backing Mr Bagrodia for RS. According to sources, Mr Bagrodia was trying to capitalise on resentment in the BJP over selection of candidates. The pro-RSS leaders in the saffron party were not happy with Mr Jethmalani’s nomination for the Rajya Sabha, citing his statements on Afzal Guru and Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
The BJP also fielded former MP from Bhilwara V.P. Singh for the RS. But a section of BJP leaders is willing to give first priority to Mr Jethmalani.