Rajasthan, a state with a population of 8.36 Crores and 25 Lok Sabha seats had a story to tell when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed a whopping majority on 3rd December 2023, despite political pundits suggesting continuity of the Indian National Congress’(INC) government in the state. Although Rajasthan is known for changing the incumbent government every five years, this result shocked the ruling party, which lost not only Rajasthan but all the three Hindi heartland states. The echoes of the Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023 still reverberate across the state, as the electorate grapples with the outcomes that have significantly altered the political landscape. In this in-depth exploration, we aim to meticulously dissect the election results, amalgamating insights from the broader Indian political context and leveraging the intricate data.
The enduring appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the hard work of ground workers of the BJP ensured a landslide victory. Nevertheless, zooming in on the results we notice that despite the INC losing their seats, it maintained 2018 vote share. This phenomenon suggests the consolidation of votes which were outside the ambit of any national party. BJP has successfully tapped into the tribal and women voters which increased their voter base.
Analysing it further, the electoral battlefield in Rajasthan covered 199 out of 200 assembly constituencies, with a sombre pause in AC 03 – Karanpur (GEN) due to the untimely demise of the Congress candidate. The BJP had a 2.9% increase in vote share, rising from 38.8% in 2018 to 41.7% in 2023, translating into a substantial leap in seats from 73 to 115. In contrast, the INC experienced a marginal uptick of 0.2% (from 39.3% to 39.5%), juxtaposed with a decline in seat count from 100 to 69.
Along with these major battles between political parties the electoral battleground witnessed seven fiercely contested seats, determined by a razor-thin victory margin of fewer than 1000 votes. In this intense skirmish, the BJP clinched four victories, while the INC secured three. A striking contrast emerged in the realm of decisive victories, where ten seats witnessed landslides with margins surpassing 50,000 votes. The BJP dominated this domain with six resounding victories, the INC secured three, and the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) claimed one. A noteworthy mention goes to Diya Kumari of the BJP, who secured the highest margin with an impressive 71,368 votes.
To understand this result we need to delve into the social dynamics. The analysis of Scheduled Caste (SC) seats showcased the BJP’s dominance, securing 22 out of the total 34 in Rajasthan. The INC secured 11, and one went to an Independent candidate. The BJP held a formidable vote share of 43.5%, while the INC maintained a share of 41.3%. Shifting focus to Scheduled Tribe (ST) seats, out of the 25 reserved, the BJP triumphed in 12, the INC secured 10, and the BAP claimed three.
Women were also a major player in this election which is reflected in an increase in women’s representation, with 20 women elected. Both major parties, BJP and INC, contributed nine women each, while two successful independent candidates further bolstered this milestone. Notable women leaders from both camps, alongside independents Ritu Banawat and Priyanka Chaudhary, have now emerged as influential figures, carving their niche in the political spectrum.
As the elected representatives prepare to shoulder the responsibilities of their constituencies, the aftermath of the Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023 leaves behind a nuanced and intricate political tableau. The BJP’s surge and the INC’s ability to retain its vote share amidst a decrease in seats beckon a deeper examination of the evolving political preferences in the state. The onus lies on political stakeholders to meticulously analyze these results, adapt their strategies, and address the diverse needs of the populace as Rajasthan charts its course for the future.
Finally, The Rajasthan Assembly Election 2023 transcends mere electoral arithmetic; it encapsulates a narrative of shifting political dynamics, resilience, and evolving social representation. Beyond the numerical intricacies, the election leaves a mark on the state’s political discourse, contributing to the larger narrative of Indian democracy and the upcoming Lok Sabha election.
Vidhan Bharat 
Leave a comment