The political landscape in Madhya Pradesh is intensifying as two crucial assembly by-elections, in Vijaypur and Budhni, draw closer. Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress are preparing for what promises to be a fierce battle. However, at this early stage, the BJP has already gained a psychological edge over Congress by finalizing key candidates, while Congress remains mired in uncertainty.
The BJP has made notable strides in streamlining its candidate selection, particularly in Vijaypur and Budhni. Last Sunday, the state BJP convened a meeting of its election management committee to finalize candidates, which were subsequently submitted to the central election committee for approval.
In Vijaypur, the BJP’s decision was straightforward. Ramniwas Rawat emerged as the sole candidate for the seat. Rawat, a former Congress leader who switched to the BJP before the last Lok Sabha elections, resigned from the Legislative Assembly, triggering the upcoming by-election in Vijaypur. His candidacy, now confirmed, has given the BJP a solid position in the constituency, boosting their confidence.
In contrast, the Budhni seat has presented more challenges for the BJP. Budhni, traditionally the stronghold of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, became vacant when Shivraj resigned after winning the Vidisha parliamentary seat in the Lok Sabha elections. The task for the BJP has been to find a suitable candidate for this prestigious seat, but the party, known for its well-organized machinery, is nearing a resolution.
Initially, three names were in contention for Budhni, but the list expanded to five candidates: Ramakant Bhargava, Guruprasad Sharma, Rajendra Singh Rajput, Kartikeya Singh Chouhan (son of Shivraj Singh Chouhan), and Budhni BJP Mandal President Asharam Yadav. Raghunath Bhati is also being considered. This wide range of contenders highlights the party’s internal competition, yet it has also clarified their electoral strategy as the race heats up.
While the BJP has surged ahead in candidate selection, Congress is still in the process of figuring out its game plan, trailing behind the ruling party. In both Vijaypur and Budhni, Congress continues to deliberate and conduct on-the-ground assessments in hopes of identifying candidates capable of putting up a strong fight against the BJP.
In Budhni, former District President Mahesh Rajput is being considered as a potential candidate for the Congress ticket, but no final decision has been made. In Vijaypur, the situation remains even more uncertain. The BJP has already secured Ramniwas Rawat for the seat, yet Congress is still reportedly considering fielding a tribal candidate, though no official names have surfaced.
Ultimately, the final decision for Budhni rests with the BJP’s central leadership, and all eyes are on whether Kartikeya Singh Chouhan, the son of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will be chosen as the party’s candidate. His selection would not only solidify the party’s strategy but also bolster its standing in a region long associated with his father.
For Congress, the window of opportunity to mount a serious challenge is closing quickly. To compete effectively, the party must move beyond deliberation and finalize its candidates soon. Should Congress fail to act decisively, the BJP’s organizational prowess and early momentum might make the contest all the more difficult for the opposition. With both parties gearing up for these pivotal elections, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping the outcome in Madhya Pradesh.
