The CPI(M)'s decision to field the party's State Secretary and former MLA Amra Ram from the Sikar Lok Sabha constituency has created ripples in the political waters of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. Mr. Ram's candidature may lead to division in secular votes and put the Congress in a tight spot.
Mr. Ram, who is also vice-president of All India Kisan Sabha, has been in the forefront of farmers' agitation in the region. The Kisan Sabha ended its 15-day-long 'Mahapadav' (stay) in front of the Sikar Collector's office last week after getting an assurance for redressal of grievances.
CPI(M) Central Committee member Vasudev Sharma, who announced Mr. Ram's name at a party workers' convention in Sikar earlier this week, said the party had resolutely fought for farm loan waiver for five years during the previous BJP regime in the State and raised the voice in support of unemployed youths, Dalits, women and minority communities.
The Shekhawati region largely comprises Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts and some parts of Jaipur and Nagaur. The key demands of the region's farmers include establishment of a mandi for onion in Rashidpura, checking corruption in the cooperative societies, complete loan waiver, unemployment allowance and fair price for milk.
While Mr. Sharma affirmed that Mr. Ram would get “unflinching support” of voters in view of his track record of agitating on the issues of common people, political observers believe that the votes polled by the CPI(M) candidate would in fact reduce the vote share of Congress and benefit the BJP.
“Despite knowing well that it cannot win, the CPI(M) is contesting the Lok Sabha polls just to prove its influence on Rajasthan's political turf,” Sikar-based political analyst Ashfaq Kayamkhani told The Hindu . The only time the CPI(M) had romped home in the Lok Sabha election in the State was in 1989 when Sopat Singh Makkasar won from Bikaner.
The CPI(M) is likely to announce its candidates shortly for the Bikaner and Churu seats as well. The party will look for a Dalit candidate for Bikaner, which is reserved for Scheduled Caste, while Jat leader and Bhadra MLA Balwan Poonia may be fielded from Churu.
