Ajmer: The upcoming Ajmer zila parishad elections are shaping up to be a competitive three-way race, as independents and major political parties have fielded candidates in all 33 wards of the district. Only six candidates withdrew their nominations by the Thursday deadline, leaving 92 candidates vying for seats, including 17 from the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and several independents, creating a shift in the electoral dynamics.BJP, which has controlled Ajmer district’s rural governance for the previous three terms, is being represented by prominent figures such as former zila pramukh Sushil Kanwar Palara and Sunita Choudhary, wife of Kailash Lamba and sister-in-law of Nasirabad MLA Ramswaroop Lamba. Former deputy zila pramukh Hangami Lal Choudhary is also contesting. Congress faces include former Aria pradhan Sita Devi and Kamlesh Gurjar, wife of former Nasirabad MLA Mahendra Singh Gurjar.Congress accused the BJP of influencing the administration and police following the detention of Hansraj Ghasi, the party’s candidate from ward 12, at Sarwar police station Thursday. Police said Ghasi was detained due to a pending case related to a fight.After the detention, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra alleged on social media that the BJP govt was misusing state machinery and framing Congress candidates. Ajmer Congress president Rajkumar Jaipal also condemned the detention, alleging “politics of fear.”RLP is focusing on Jat-dominant areas including Masuda, Nasirabad and Kishangarh by fielding community-influential candidates. BSP has fielded four candidates and is aiming to secure seats.Among independents, Heena Bhati from ward 26 is expected to impact a seat seen as Congress-dominant. In ward 33, a traditionally Congress-leaning seat, Salma (Congress) faces Bhadur Khan (BJP), Saleem (RLP) and Yusuf (independent).
