Rajasthan assembly elections 2018: Satta market bets big on Congress in Jaipur

JAIPUR: Satta market (betting) is not a legal barometer for forecasting election results. However, going by its accurate predictions in Gujarat and Karnataka polls, it has become one of the reliable sources for predicting results.


If bookies are to be believed, Congress will win five seats comfortably out of the nine constituencies in Jaipur city.

As per the latest satta market, two BJP MLAs will retain their seats. Source said, BJP candidate Kalicharan Saraf in Malviya Nagar, Ashok Parnami in Adarsh Nagar and Satish Poonia in Amber are leading. While, former BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari, who has recently launched Bharat Vahini Party, will retain his seat in

Sanganer

as estimated on Tuesday by bookies.

Jaipur is considered a stronghold of BJP as it won eight seats in 2013 assembly elections. But this time, the party may lose majority of seats covering the areas of the Walled City.

“Rafiq Khan, the Congress candidate from Adarsh Nagar, is said to be in close contest with Parnami, the satta market indicated and there are possibilities too of him becoming a favourite. However, as per present rates Parnami is leading.”

A bookie on the condition of anonymity said, Lal Chand Katria from Jhotwara is considered to be the strongest in the contest. “Possibilities of Katria losing is minimum. If a punter were to bet Rs 1,000 on his victory chances, he would receive Rs 280 in return. Similarly, if he were to lose from Jhotwara, a person will avail Rs 1,000 after placing a bet of Rs 380,” he said.

Likewise, Congress candidate Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Saraf are favourites. BJP candidate Satish Poonia who lost to National People's Party (NPP) MLA Navin Pilania only from 329 votes is expected to win this time, as per the bookies.

Sanganer is seemingly a hot seat after contest became triangular. Present mayor, Ashok Lahoti has been fielded by the BJP, while Pushpendra Bhardwaj is a Congress candidate.

Though betting is illegal, in Rajasthan the business flourishes underground during the cricket matches and election season. A credible source, related with satta bazaar says, since beginning, Congress was favourite in Rajasthan. Trend did not shift much even after list of candidates was released.