Samrat Singh Saraswar: Congress New Face To Wrest Balaghat, BJP Bastion (image: facebook.com/saraswarsamrat/)

Balaghat is an important parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh and is known for its intense electoral battles. In a surprising move, Congress has fielded Samrat Singh Saraswar, a new face for the seat. The ticket comes as the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream for Saraswar, after repeated disheartening rejections.

Samrat Saraswar currently serves as the District Panchayat President. He is the son of former MLA Ashok Saraswar. Earlier, he expressed his desire to contest the Assembly elections, but it has not been taken into consideration. On multiple occasions, Samrat Saraswar”s requests for party tickets have been rejected, causing his dissatisfaction with Congress. However, his long and patient wait finally paid off. Former Congress MLA Hina Kavre came in as a tight contender for the spot, as party leadership for a while thought that fielding a female candidate would work in their favour in the constituency. But, the party leadership allotted the ticket to Samrat Saraswar.

Balaghat Lok Sabha constituency has been held by the BJP since 1998. However, no MP has served in the constituency twice. Considering the anti-incumbency sentiments, the BJP was cautious about replacing the sitting MP every time. The saffron party has fielded Dr. Bharti Pardhi, a new face, replacing the incumbent BJP MP, Dhal Singh Bisen.

In the Balaghat-Seoni area, whether it be assembly or Lok Sabha polls, caste equations play a pertinent role. As per the reports, the BJP thinks the caste vote bank and equations in the constituency can be resolved by fielding a female candidate. Meanwhile, how Congress is going to counter the BJP”s move is something to look out for.