Results send strong signals to Gehlot, Vasundhara Raje, CM Bhajanlal Sharma and rebel leaders
Jaipur:
The Congress has delivered a major political upset in Rajasthan with a decisive victory in the Anta Assembly bypoll. Party candidate Pramod Jain ‘Bhaya’ defeated BJP’s Morpal Suman by 15,594 votes, marking a significant shift in the state’s political mood. Rebel candidate Naresh Meena finished third despite a strong local presence.
As per the final figures released by the Election Commission, Bhaya secured 69,462 votes, Suman received 53,868, while Meena garnered 53,740 votes.
Experience of a Three-Time MLA Turns the Tide
Bhaya, a three-time MLA and former minister, capitalised heavily on his long-standing grassroots influence. His close association with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot helped consolidate Congress’ support base.
Despite an aggressive BJP campaign, Morpal Suman’s low-profile image failed to galvanize voters.
Rebel Naresh Meena Faces Another Major Setback
After rebelling against Congress for three consecutive years, Naresh Meena once again failed to convert his vote share into victory.
He had previously lost the Devli–Uniara bypoll as well.
This defeat has raised questions over his political strategy and future prospects, especially after he publicly stated just a day earlier:
“If I lose Anta, it will close a chapter of my political book.”
Warning Signal for BJP Government in Rajasthan
The defeat is being viewed as a critical message for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government.
Internal administrative concerns—including the sudden return of Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant to the Centre—had already triggered discussions on governance issues.
The Anta result is expected to intensify scrutiny of the government’s functioning.
Vasundhara Raje’s Influence Under the Scanner
Anta falls within the Jhalawar–Baran region, considered a stronghold of former CM Vasundhara Raje.
Despite her campaigning, the BJP’s loss is being directly linked with questions over her diminishing influence within the party.
This outcome may reignite internal debates within Rajasthan BJP.
Congress Gains Psychological Momentum After Bihar Loss
For Congress, still recovering from a heavy defeat in Bihar, the Anta win brings renewed energy and morale.
The victory reinforces the party’s relevance in Rajasthan and strengthens Gehlot’s positioning within the organisation.
The result also steadies Congress amid the ongoing internal dynamics between the Dotasra and Pilot factions.
Rebel Politics Take a Hit
With yet another defeat, Naresh Meena’s political journey faces greater uncertainty.
Despite strong local support, his inability to secure a win may weaken his claim that Congress fears his rising popularity.
Complete Result Table (Key Candidates)
| Rank | Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pramod Jain Bhaya | Indian National Congress | 69,571 |
| 2 | Morpal Suman | Bharatiya Janata Party | 53,959 |
| 3 | Naresh Meena | Independent | 53,800 |
| Others | Independent & Smaller Parties | — |
Total Votes Polled: 1,83,369
Why Did the Anta Bypoll Take Place?
The by-election was necessitated after BJP MLA Kanwarlal Meena lost his membership following conviction in a 20-year-old case.
He was considered close to Vasundhara Raje.
Following the result, BJP remains at 118 seats, while Congress has now risen to 67 seats in the Rajasthan Assembly.
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