Communal issues fuel fierce battle in Ramgarh

Jaipur: The high-stake bypoll in Ramgarh evolved into a politically charged contest, heavily polarised along communal lines, and became a matter of prestige for Union minister Bhupendra Yadav and former Union minister Jitendra Singh. Aryan Khan, the Congress candidate and son of late MLA Zubair Khan, is riding a wave of sympathy, facing a tough battle against BJP's Sukhwant Singh.

The campaign is dominated by divisive issues such as cow slaughter, land encroachment, and "love jihad," drawing both local and national attention. Ramgarh's electorate comprises a significant number of Meo Muslims and Scheduled Caste voters, adding further intensity to the race.

BJP faced defeat here in the past two elections, losing to Shafia Zubair in 2018 and Zubair Khan in 2023. Now, with the seat vacant after Zubair Khan's death, the bypoll provides an opening for BJP to regain a foothold. The party mounted a vigorous campaign, with education minister Madan Dilawar and Bhiwadi MLA Balaknath spotlighting controversial issues such as "love jihad".

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