Getting the support of the Meena community is key to winning the elections in Dausa, but the problem is there are one too many Meenas in the fray. To be precise three.
The district which gave the state its first elected Chief Minister Tikaram Paliwal in 1952 is witness to three Meena candidates in the poll fray, Congresses Laxman Meena, BJP's Ram Kishore Meena and former BJP leader and community strongman but independent candidate from the region, Kirori Lal Meena.
The former pocket borough of the Pilots (late Rajesh Pilot, his wife Rama and son Sachin) has close to 3 lakh Meena voters, around 2.5 lakh SC and Brahmin voters, and approximately two lakh Gurjjars as the major voters.
"It cannot be denied that there would be a division in Meena votes. The voters will have to decide between the three prominent Meena candidates but I believe looking at the good work my party has done, I would get the benefit of the voters blessings," Congress candidate Laxman Meena told PTI during an election rally.
While Independent candidate and former BJP leader Kirori Lal Meena is considered a strong community leader, his supporters are not taking chances to woo voters of all castes with a special message to Meena's.
"It is important for the Meena's to know that Kirori Lal is the true community representative. Only he can assure fair representation for Meenas as he has wide political experience and influence," Ram Kinkar, a supporter of Dr Kirori Lal Meena said.
Kirori Lal's campaign managers also make it a point to mention that he has extended his support to all Meena candidates across the state irrespective of party affiliations.
"I have extended my support for Congress candidate from Sawai Madhopur-Tonk LS seat Namo Narayan Meena as it is the time to show solidarity for my community leader who is also a honest candidate," Kirori Lal said without mincing words that he would back all "winnable Meena candidates in the state".
The Gujjar community's candidate in the constituency Qamar Rabbani Chechi, an ST Gujjar from Jammu and Kashmir hopes to gain the benefit of this "Meena troika".
"Although I am asking for votes on the basis of development and equal opportunities through reservation, the divide in the Meena troika will help me," Chechi said.
Chechi's supporters from the 'Gujjar Mahasabha' admit that while they are sure of gaining the about two lakh Gujjar votes, they will gain the Meena votes due to the confusion of having three candidates of the community.
