Battle of Churu: Ace Javelin thrower vs Stalwart Kaswan

On March 2nd, the BJP announced its initial list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. Among them, what caught the attention of many was the unexpected inclusion of gold medalist Paralympic champion Devendra Jhajharia, fielded by BJP from his hometown Churu in Rajasthan. 

A paralympic Javelin thrower, a fighter and now a soon-to-be politician, Devendra Jhajharia has come a long way ever since an electric wire in his hometown Churu altered his course in life. This is the story of Jhajharia’s rise to politics: from adversities to the nitty-gritties to straight up victories. 

Who is Devendra Jhajharia?

Devendra Jhajharia was just eight years old, when a life-changing accident altered the course of his life. While climbing a tree in his hometown of Churu, Rajasthan, he accidentally touched an electric wire and lost part of his left arm. Now, 34 years later, Jhajharia, India’s celebrated para-athlete with three Paralympic medals, including two golds,has now ventured into politics on a BJP ticket from his hometown, at just 42 years of age. 

From Adversities to Victories:

Despite facing numerous challenges, including the childhood tragedy that led to the loss of his left arm, Devendra Jhajharia’s determination propelled him to success. He became the  first Indian athlete to secure two Gold medals in the Summer Paralympic Games. Additionally, he clinched a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and a Gold medal in the IPC World Championships in 2013.

At the peak of his athletic prowess, Jhajharia set a world record. In recognition of his achievements, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, in 2022. However, his journey has not been without its trials. The Tokyo silver almost didn’t materialize due to his father’s cancer diagnosis in 2020. Unfortunately, Jhajharia lost his father to the disease, and he struggled with his emotions on the podium of a national competition following the loss.

From Paralympics to Politics:

Devendra Jhajharia, a double Paralympics gold medalist, won in 2004 and 2016, filed the only nomination for the PCI chief’s post. His F46 classification, for athletes with arm deficiency, qualifies due to losing his hand in an accident. Despite setbacks, including his father’s cancer diagnosis, he pursued his career. Supported by his wife and coach, he persevered, winning a Khel Ratna in 2017, among other honors. Jhajharia’s journey is marked by resilience, culminating in his decision to enter politics, adding another dimension to his inspirational story.

As Devendra Jhajharia prepares to step into the political arena, he is simultaneously gearing up to take on a significant role in the world of sports. He is poised to become the president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) in the upcoming elections for the sports body.

In an unsurprising turn of events, Jhajharia is expected to be elected unopposed as the President of the Paralympic Committee of India. He submitted his nomination on February 28, and as the sole candidate vying for the top position in the PCI, his victory seems imminent.

Churu: a Hot Seat

The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Churu, Rajasthan, are shaping up to be intense. BJP’s two-time MP, Rahul Kaswan, surprised many by switching to Congress after being denied a ticket by the BJP. This move came after BJP nominated para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia instead.

Churu Lok Sabha Constituency, located in northern Rajasthan, is renowned for its desert landscape and agricultural economy. Established in 1620 AD by Chuharu Jat, it encompasses eight assembly constituencies and hosts diverse rural and urban populations. Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert, Churu saw its first Lok Sabha elections in 1977, with Daulatram Saran of the Janata Party emerging as its inaugural Member of Parliament. Today, it stands as a battleground for political parties, vying for dominance in this historically significant region.

Churu in  2019 and 2014:

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP’s Rahul Kaswan secured the Churu seat with a massive margin of over 3,34,402 votes, defeating Congress’ Rafique Mandelia. BJP’s vote share stood at 59.69%. Kaswan garnered 7,92,999 votes, while Mandelia received 4,58,597 votes. In the 2014 elections, Kaswan won by defeating BSP’s Abhinesh Maharshi with a margin of 2,94,739 votes, representing 52.67% of the vote share. Kaswan obtained 5,95,756 votes, while Maharshi got 3,01,017 votes.

It’s Jhajharia vs Kaswan this time!

Soon after the candidates list was unveiled, the Para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia’s nomination from Churu on a BJP ticket was announced, taking the nation by surprise (particularly BJP stans). Jhajharia had said that this was something he had never imagined and it sure took him by surprise as well.   Earlier on Aug 17, 2021, Devendra Jhajharia praised PM Modi for motivating Para-athlete and narrated his inspiring story. Later on Aug 30, 2021, PM Modi congratulated Devendra Jhajharia for winning the silver medal and making India proud.

Now, Churu, a constituency in Rajasthan, is poised for an electrifying electoral battle in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as BJP’s two-time MP, Rahul Kaswan, crosses party lines to join Congress. Kaswan defected from BKP and crossed lines as BJP denied him a ticket, which was then offered to Jhajharia. Following this,  Congress strategically fielded Kaswan in the same constituency he previously represented, aiming to leverage his local support. This decision has set the stage for a high-stakes battle, with both parties vying for supremacy in Churu.

CONCLUSION

In Rajasthan, the BJP has announced 15 out of the 25 candidates for the upcoming elections, while the Congress has announced candidates for 10 Lok Sabha seats.

Now all eyes are set on  Churu as the political landscape is sure to heat up, hotter than the Rajasthan deserts, in what promises to be an exciting contest.