JAIPUR: In the aftermath of a setback in the recent assembly elections in Rajasthan, the state Congress has sent a preliminary report to the central leadership, listing multiple factors contributing to the defeat. The report claims that the welfare schemes and the vision of the Gehlot government were fine, but local leaders, MLAs, candidates, and even ministers failed to take the message forward strongly to the voters.
However, the factors cited in the preliminary report contrast with a few points that were raised during an informal meeting of the party in Delhi. A meeting called by the Congress leadership after the election results on December 9 in Delhi to review the party’s poor performance saw many leaders blaming the decision to repeat most of the sitting MLAs as the main reason for the party’s defeat.
One of the primary reasons the report identifies for the defeat revolves around the failure to effectively communicate government schemes to the people. Despite the perceived merit of these initiatives, candidates in the assembly constituencies struggled to articulate their significance. “Moreover, Mission-2030, a key electoral plank, failed to draw the expected support from voters,” it said.
Another key area highlighted in the report is the BJP’s adeptness in polarizing the electoral scenario, which emerged as a pivotal factor in Congress’ defeat. “The divisive tactics employed by the opposition party played a substantial role in shaping the electoral narrative against the Congress,” it says.
On seats with slim victory margins, the report underscores the shortcomings of local leaders who, despite their critical roles, failed to accurately gauge the political landscape. This lapse resulted in an inability to mobilize voters effectively, contributing to the overall setback, it said.
The party’s inability to convey convincingly to voters that the potential change in government would lead to the discontinuation of crucial schemes is cited as a pivotal factor for the defeat. Despite the positive reception of government initiatives, the failure to translate it into electoral support has been a notable shortcoming, it says.
Key leaders and ministers within the Congress ranks were found wanting in their effectiveness against the BJP’s campaign machinery. Their inability to counter the narrative and sway public opinion adversely impacted the electoral prospects. The report also sheds light on the failure of prominent leaders to extend their influence beyond their immediate constituencies.
