RLD trying to focus on strengthening its base in Rajasthan with Awana's appointment

Rajasthan, a state known for its vibrant political landscape, has witnessed an interesting mix of big and small parties vying for influence in the state’s elections. While the Congress and BJP dominate the state’s politics, there is a significant presence of smaller political parties that, though not always successful in winning seats, play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse. Among these smaller parties, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has shown some activity in Rajasthan recently.

Despite facing challenges, RLD's recent moves indicate an intent to strengthen its foothold in the state which may create potential ripple effects in the politics of the state.

RLD's growing influence in Rajasthan

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), led by Jayant Singh, has emerged as a prominent party in Uttar Pradesh's Jat belt. With a strong political base in areas like Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Saharanpur, the party has made significant inroads in UP’s regional politics. Jayant Singh's leadership, as a Union Minister in the Modi government, has further solidified RLD’s position within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

RLD's recent move to appoint Joginder Singh Awana, a former MLA from Bayana in Rajasthan, as the state president of the party signals its intent to make deeper inroads into Rajasthan’s political landscape.

Awana’s appointment comes over three years ahead of the next Rajasthan assembly elections, which shows RLD’s long-term commitment to expanding its presence in the state. The Jat community, a dominant force in parts of Rajasthan such as Bharatpur, Dholpur, Alwar, and Karauli, has long been a support base for RLD, and this move to appoint a local leader could enhance the party's appeal in these regions.

The presence of Dr. Subhash Garg, an RLD MLA in the Rajasthan Assembly, further underscores the party's growing influence. While the party's victory in the 2023 election in the Bharatpur constituency may seem small, it is a foothold that RLD can use to build momentum in the state. Given the political landscape and the party’s traditional stronghold among Jats, RLD could emerge as an influential player in these areas, especially in the backdrop of growing political shifts within Rajasthan.

Other smaller parties in Rajasthan

While RLD is working to strengthen its base in Rajasthan, several other smaller parties have tried their hand in the state's elections, although with limited success. The 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Elections saw a staggering 81 parties, both big and small, contesting the elections. However, the performance of many of these parties has been dismal, and only a few managed to make a dent in the state's political picture.

AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen): This party, which enjoys strong support in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, contested 10 seats in Rajasthan. Despite its prominence among Muslims in other regions, AIMIM's campaign in Rajasthan failed to gain traction, and it registered a vote percentage of 0.0% in the 2023 elections.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): The AAP, which was in power in Delhi and runs te government in Punjab, contested 86 seats in Rajasthan. However, despite its growing influence in other states, AAP could only muster a meager 0.4% of the vote share, failing to secure any significant victories.

Samajwadi Party (SP): With a strong opposition presence in Uttar Pradesh, the Samajwadi Party contested five seats in Rajasthan but similarly performed poorly, managing to secure 0.0% of the vote.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Led by Mayawati, the BSP has a solid base in Rajasthan and historically has been able to mobilize support among Dalits and backward communities. In the 2023 election, the party contested 185 seats but could only secure 1.8% of the vote, with just two MLAs elected in the assembly—one from Bari and the other from Sadulpur.

Other Regional and National Parties: Several other smaller parties, such as the Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) of Bihar, Republican Party of India (RPI) led by Ramdas Athwale, and Shiv Sena, also contested the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Elections. However, none of these parties were able to make a substantial impact, even though they are considered strong players in their respective states.

Also Read: Can Bihar's smaller parties make a big impact?

The road ahead for RLD in Rajasthan

With about three and a half years left before the next assembly elections, RLD has both a significant challenge and a unique opportunity to strengthen its presence in Rajasthan. The party's focus on building a Jat-centric political narrative, coupled with its recent organizational moves, places it in a position to potentially become an important regional player in the state.