Battleground Rajasthan: The Kirori factor

National People’s Party leader PA Sangma is seen campaigning with his latest ally Dr Kirori Lal Meena these days. Once a prominent leader of the BJP, Mr Meena clashed with Vasundhara Raje in 2008 over the Gujjar agitation in the state and left the BJP. Looking to form the government then, the Congress with a tally of 96 was four short. Mr Meena and three MLAs under his influence provided Mr Gehlot the numbers he needed. This time, Mr Meena has 150 candidates contesting under the banner of the National People’s Party, which he joined in 2011. His candidates are unlikely to win but they will give Rajasthan, for the first time, a three corner fight in at least 10 constituencies, especially in Eastern Rajasthan.

manishchowhan