The mayoral race for the Bikaner Municipal Corporation has witnessed a dramatic turn of events, bringing substantial relief to the Congress camp. The internal dispute within the party, which threatened to disrupt its electoral prospects, has been successfully resolved. Navratan Daga, who had rebelled against the party line to file his nomination as an independent candidate, officially withdrew his papers. Following this development, the electoral battlefield is now cleared for a direct, head-to-head contest between the official Congress nominee, Anil Kalla, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Dr. Surendra Singh Shekhawat.
Tensions Arise on Nomination Day
The trouble for the Congress party had commenced on the very day of nominations. Factionalism and internal rifts within the local unit became evident when Navratan Daga filed his nomination papers against the party's official candidate, Anil Kalla. This move raised several questions regarding party discipline and triggered intense speculation about divisions within the ranks, prompting fears of a potential split in votes that could benefit the opposition.
Senior Leadership Steps In to Resolve Crisis
Efforts to pacify the rebel candidate and restore unity within the party began immediately. Senior leaders initiated dialogues to bridge the differences. The deadlock was finally broken following a crucial meeting between Navratan Daga and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra. After discussing his concerns, Daga agreed to withdraw his nomination. Explaining his initial decision, Daga stated that his main intention behind filing the nomination was to put forward his views in a democratic manner. Asserting his loyalty, he declared himself a dedicated soldier of the Congress and affirmed his complete support for the party's chosen candidate, Anil Kalla. He added that the state president had appreciated his commitment to democratic principles.
Defense Against Allegations of Nepotism
Expressing his gratitude, former minister Dr. B.D. Kalla thanked Navratan Daga for prioritizing the party's interests and withdrawing his candidature. Addressing the allegations of nepotism that have surfaced during this election, Dr. B.D. Kalla defended his political legacy, pointing out that he has spent 50 years in active politics. During this long period, no other member of his family had stepped forward to contest. He questioned how a family member's participation in an election could be labeled as nepotism, arguing that qualification and public service should not be dismissed based on family ties. He also noted that several families within the BJP have multiple members actively contesting elections.
The Municipal Math and Final Countdown
The political maneuvering continues as both parties assess their strength in the municipal council. Dehat Congress District President Bisanaram Sihag maintained that the party stands entirely united. He expressed confidence that the Congress mayoral candidate would secure a victory with a margin of 50 votes. Looking at the composition of the 80-ward Bikaner Municipal Corporation, the Congress holds a comfortable position with 42 seats, while the BJP has 27 seats. The council also includes 10 independent councillors and one councillor representing the RLP. Both major political parties are actively courting the independent candidates and looking out for potential cross-voting to tip the scales in their favor. The BJP remains optimistic about securing enough support to form the board. The final voting is scheduled to take place on September 21, and the next Mayor of Bikaner will be decided by the evening of the same day.
