Jaipur, June 4 (IANS). The BJP on Thursday declared former Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia and party national secretary Alka Gurjar as its candidates from Rajasthan for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
These nominations are being seen as a deliberate political move aimed at sending a strong message to the two dominant communities of the state, Jats and Gujjars.
Elections for three Rajya Sabha seats of Rajasthan are to be held on June 18 and counting of votes will also take place on the same day. Based on its current position in the assembly, BJP can easily win two out of three seats.
These posts have become vacant due to the tenure of Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, BJP MP Rajendra Gehlot and Congress MP Neeraj Dangi ending on June 21.
Political observers see the selection of Satish Poonia and Alka Gurjar as the BJP’s attempt to further strengthen its connect with Rajasthan’s influential Jat and Gurjar communities ahead of future election battles.
Poonia, a prominent leader, has long been one of the key organizational faces of the BJP in Rajasthan, while Alka Gurjar’s nomination is being seen as a recognition of the growing political importance of the Gurjar community in the state.
Satish Poonia has held several important positions within the BJP and has also served as the Rajasthan state president of the party. Despite losing in the 2023 assembly elections, he enjoyed the confidence of the central leadership and was entrusted with responsibilities outside the state.
Poonia was appointed BJP in-charge for Haryana after playing a key role during the Bihar elections.
His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is being seen as a sign that the party continues to value experienced organizational leaders and is committed to rewarding loyalty and performance.
Alka Gurjar has been associated with the BJP organization for decades and has previously served as an MLA and minister. Presently she is the National Secretary of BJP.
His family has long standing ties with the party. Her husband, Dr. Nathu Singh Gurjar, has also been a minister during the BJP government and has held several senior organizational positions.
With Alka Gurjar elected to the Rajya Sabha, the BJP seems keen to strengthen its reach among the Gurjar voters as well as reward a leader who has a deep hold in the organisation.
The move is also seen in line with the party’s commitment towards women representation and empowerment.
Congress has not yet announced its candidate for the third Rajya Sabha seat.
–IANS
DKP/
