Pali Lok Sabha Constituency: A Saga of Political Shifts

Jaipur: The political landscape of the Pali Lok Sabha constituency, encompassing eight assembly segments from Pali and Jodhpur districts, has witnessed a dynamic electoral history since its inception in 1952. The constituency’s journey began with the election of independent candidate General Ajit Singh as its first Member of Parliament (MP). Subsequent elections saw a rotation of power, with Congress representatives dominating the early years, including stalwarts like Harish Chandra Mathur and Jaswant Raj Mehta. However, the political pendulum swung in favor of the Swatantra Party in 1967, followed by the Janata Party’s historic win in 1977.

The constituency’s political narrative continued to evolve with the entry of new players, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1989. BJP’s Guman Mal Lodha emerged victorious, marking the party’s foothold in the region, which persisted through subsequent elections. Despite occasional victories by Congress candidates like Badri Ram Jakhar in 2009, the BJP’s dominance remained unshaken, particularly under the leadership of PP Chaudhary, who has served as the MP since 2014. He has been fielded as the candidate for the third time by the BJP in 2024.

The 1996 elections stand out in the constituency’s electoral history, witnessing a recordbreaking number of contenders, with 43 candidates vying for the seat. However, despite the diverse array of candidates, including independents and representatives from various political parties, no woman has been elected as an MP from this seat thus far.

In the upcoming elections, Congress has nominated Sangeeta Beniwal as its candidate, aiming to challenge the BJP’s stronghold in the region. As the constituency braces for another electoral showdown, the onus now falls on the voters to determine the direction of their representation in the Lok Sabha. With a rich history of political fluctuations and a diverse array of candidates, the Pali Lok Sabha constituency remains a crucial battleground in Rajasthan’s electoral landscape.