The Congress on Saturday fielded Manvendra Singh, son of former BJP leader Jaswant Singh, against Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from her home turf of Jhalrapatan, which she has represented thrice since 2003 in the Assembly.
Mr. Singh, 54, who was elected from Sheo in Barmer district in 2013 as a BJP candidate, quit the party in September this year, following differences with Ms. Raje over denial of ticket to his father in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. He had stated that choosing the lotus was “our mistake”.
Mr. Singh's candidature from Jhalrapatan in Jhalawar district, bordering Madhya Pradesh, is set to turn the contest into a high-profile electoral battle between two Rajput leaders.
Ms. Raje defeated Congress candidates Meenakshi Chandrawat in 2013, Mohan Lal in 2008 and Rama Pilot in 2003.
Mr. Singh said he was “ready for the challenge”, as it was the party’s decision to field him.
“I will run a fair campaign. I feel honoured that the Congress has reposed confidence in me and thought it fit for me to contest,” he said.
Ms. Raje said the Congress had fielded Mr. Singh because it could not find any other candidate.
