“I know who did what during the Lok Sabha elections... I am fully aware of who sided with whom.” — Anand Joshi

Bikaner. Internal politics within the Bikaner Congress have surfaced openly following the distribution of tickets for the municipal corporation elections. Anand Joshi ‘Darbar’, a rebel Congress leader, has filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Ward 73. Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination, Joshi launched a direct political attack on former minister Dr. B.D. Kalla.

In a sharp tone, Anand Joshi stated, “There is no need to worry about where I sit or whom I associate with. I know exactly who sided with whom and who did what during the Lok Sabha elections.” This statement is being viewed as an open political challenge to Dr. B.D. Kalla.

Joshi’s statement comes amidst a long-standing tussle over the Congress ticket for Ward 73. Previously, Joshi was considered a strong contender for the Congress ticket from this ward, but later, the name of Anil Kalla—nephew of former minister Dr. B.D. Kalla—emerged as the party's official candidate. Consequently, Joshi decided to enter the electoral fray as an independent.

Nomination turns the contest into a three-way race

The election in Ward 73 has become quite interesting with Anand Joshi entering the fray as an independent. Deepak Parekh is contesting on behalf of the BJP, while the Congress has fielded Anil Kalla. Meanwhile, Congress leader Anand Joshi has thrown his hat in the ring as an independent candidate.

Consequently, the contest in Ward 73 appears to be shaping up as a battle between the BJP, the Congress, and a Congress rebel. Joshi’s candidacy could impact the vote arithmetic for the Congress party.

Targeting Kalla: Why the reference to the Lok Sabha elections? Joshi’s mention of the Lok Sabha elections following his nomination is considered politically significant. His statement suggests that the local election in Ward 73 will not merely be about electing a councilor; instead, long-standing political equations and factionalism within the Congress party could also emerge as key election issues.

The contest has become interesting

The electoral battle in Ward 73 has become intriguing with three prominent figures in the fray. While the BJP’s Deepak Pareek is banking on the party’s established vote bank, Anil Kalla is expected to benefit from the political legacy of the Kalla family. Meanwhile, Anand Joshi has entered the contest relying on his personal rapport and the support of veteran Congress workers.

The big question now is: how much damage will Anand Joshi’s rebellion cause to the Congress, and could the BJP’s Deepak Pareek stand to gain from it? The answer will be revealed when the election results are declared.

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