Rao’s absence adds to woes of G’gram candidates
While BJP leaders in four Assembly segments of Gurgaon and three in Nuh are battling strong anti-incumbency, absence of local MP and region’s tallest leader Rao Inderjit Singh is adding to their woes. Rao played a pivotal role in getting tickets allocated in six of these segments and though the candidates have been campaigning enthusiastically, the absence of ‘Rao’s guarantee’ is weakening the long list of promises being offered.
It was on Rao’s recommendation that BJP fielded Mukesh Sharma from Gurgaon, Tejpal Tanwar from Sohna, Bimla Chaudhary from Pataudi. Rao did attend the nominations and one or two public events with them initially but since then has been more visible in Ateli and Rewari. Ateli Assembly segment in Mahendergarh is emerging as the most watched seat of Ahirwal as Rao’s daughter Arti is making her debut as a BJP candidate. Rao in an exclusive conversation with The Tribune had highlighted how Arti was facing brickbats for being his daughter, and not only the Opposition, his own party leaders were ganging up against her.
“Ahirs will play a key role and MP Rao Inderjit Singh is their pied piper. People do want to listen to him and his not-so-frequent appearance is taking a toll on the campaign. We have requested him for time in the forthcoming week,” said one of the candidates. Badshahpur candidate Rao Narbir doesn’t belong to the Inderjit Rao camp and has open differences with him but even his segment is missing Rao’s presence as Inderjit has got maximum voters here.
“There is no rivalry with Inderjit Singh, we just have a healthy difference of opinion. Of course, his stature matters in every segment of Ahirwal. Badshahpur supported him in Lok Sabha, we all worked for him. Unfortunately, Vidhan sabha elections came after the Lok Sabha poll,” said Rao Narbir Singh. Badshahpur is the biggest Assembly segment in the state with over 4 lakh voters.
He emerged as a strong leader of the BJP for managing to secure Gurgaon Lok Sabha seat amidst strong anti-incumbency and infighting against him. He also managed to help party secure seats in Ahirwal in the Lok Sabha elections.
