The Congress has begun the exercise for distribution of tickets for the upcoming Assembly election in Rajasthan amid indications that no priority will be given to the 25 sitting MLAs. The party’s screening committee has sought recommendations from the 44-member Pradesh Election Committee (PEC), on the basis of which the candidates will be finalised in Delhi.
The screening committee, entrusted with the task of shortlisting the aspiring candidates, met with the PEC members twice here this week. The committee's chairperson and Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana, Kumari Selja, said there was no rule that the sitting MLAs would necessarily be fielded for the Assembly polls.
List next week
The first list of candidates for the December 7 election is likely to be released next week, as Ms. Selja said the committee's work in the State was almost over. PEC members and the aspirants could still meet the committee in Delhi, she added. The women candidates may also get priority during the selection exercise.
The Congress has made it clear that the aspirants' ability to win will be the main criterion for finalising the candidates, though the factors such as the candidates' ability, age, gender and social background will also be taken into account.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi had announced during his roadshow in Dholpur district earlier this week that no “parachute candidate” would be fielded this time and he would “cut the strings” of such aspirants. Making a reference to those who join the Congress with the hope of getting ticket, Mr. Gandhi said they would be required to work for at least five years before claiming the right to contest.
Panels to meet
Pradesh Congress vice-president Archana Sharma said all the committees appointed for smooth handling of election-related matters would hold their meetings at PCC headquaters here on Sunday.
The committees include those for campaign, manifesto drafting, discipline, communication and transport.
