Jodhpur Congress unit leaves candidate selection to Gehlot

Jodhpur: Though 82 applications have been received from the ticket aspirants from Jodhpur’s City and Soorsagar constituencies, however, the final candidate will be decided by chief minster Ashok Gehlot. A proposal to this effect was unanimously passed in the party meeting of city unit which was attended by in-charge and observer. RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot was also present in the meeting with observer Ramlal Jat and presidents of both north and south party units and other leaders and workers. About 51 party workers have expressed their interest from Soorsagar constituency, while 21 workers want to contest election from City constituency. All these applications have been received through the block presidents. Jat said that every worker wishes to contest election and stakes his or her claim, but the final decision will be taken by Gehlot. “As always, we will support the decision by Gehlot,” said South president Naresh Joshi. These aspirants include sitting MLAs, former MLAs and those who lost previously. Some have applied from both the constituencies. Not a single application, however, has been submitted from Sardarpura constituency, which is held by Gehlot as he has been contesting from this seat since last four elections. There have been voices of dissent, especially in case of Soorsagar constituency, which has become a stronghold of BJP. These voices have questioned the selection of candidate by Gehlot for this seat and stressed the need for consideration of local workers' opinions. Coming openly against this decision, leader of opposition in South Municipal Corporation Ganpat Chouhan made clear that he will be objecting to Gehlot's choice. For the past three elections, Gehlot’s choice has been a candidate from minority community.