As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, Congress unveils its fourth candidate list, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. UP Congress president Ajay Rai steps up to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi for the third time, a feat that has become his trademark. Rai, once a BJP member, embarks on a political journey full of twists and turns.
Who is Ajay Rai
Rai, a Kashi Vidyapeeth graduate, emerged as a prominent figure during his student days, leading the BJP’s student wing, ABVP, in 1991-92. His fervent involvement in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement led to his incarceration under preventive laws, showcasing his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.
The roots of his career
Beginning his journey as a ‘karyakarta’ of the Hindu nationalist group RSS, Rai quickly rose through the ranks to become the convener of the BJP’s student wing, ABVP, showcasing his dedication to serving his ideological roots.
His advent into Politics
A five-time MLA, Rai went on to be elected to the UP Assembly three times on a BJP ticket — in 1996, 2002 and 2007 from the Kolasla seat in Varanasi.
In a remarkable feat, Rai defeated the nine-time sitting CPI(M) MLA Udal from the Kolasla seat in 1996, marking the beginning of his political ascendancy. His winning streak persisted in 2002, earning him accolades and a ministerial position as the state minister for cooperatives in the Mayawati-led BSP-BJP alliance government in Uttar Pradesh.
Relieved from BJP, welcomed into Congress?
Rai’s political journey took a turn when he parted ways with the saffron camp in 2009 after being denied a Lok Sabha ticket, particularly from Varanasi, where he had hoped to contest but was overlooked in favor of senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi. Disillusioned, Rai resigned from the party and contested from Varanasi on a Samajwadi Party ticket, albeit unsuccessfully.
In 2012, Rai found a new home in the Congress party and secured victory in the newly-formed Pindra constituency in Varanasi. His tryst with contesting against the PM began in 2014, when he stood as the Congress candidate in Varanasi, where Narendra Modi had chosen to contest for the first time.
Despite the formidable competition, including Arvind Kejriwal from the AAP, Rai finished third in the election. Rai’s allegiance to the Congress party marked a significant chapter in his political career, reflecting his resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing political landscape of Varanasi.
2019 Lok Sabha elections
Despite securing the third position in the Varanasi seat with 1.52 lakh votes and a vote share of 14.38%, Rai faced tough competition against PM Modi, who clinched a significant victory with a vote share of 63.62%.
Despite his electoral setbacks, Rai remained actively involved in organizational duties within the Congress party, showcasing his unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the people.
“He’s a criminalllllll….is he? He is”
The Congress leader has been associated with a strongman image, facing multiple criminal charges over the years, including allegations of violence, arson, and sexual harassment. Moreover, there were purported links between him and the notorious gangster-turned-politician, Brijesh Singh.
Lok Sabha 2024: expectations and excitement
Varanasi’s electorate will cast their votes on June 1st, for five significant assembly seats: Varanasi South, Varanasi North, Cantt, Rohaniya, and Sevapuri. With 19.62 lakh voters, including 10.65 lakh men, 8.97 lakh women, and 135 third-gender individuals, the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat also welcomes 52,174 first-time voters this year.
The Lok Sabha 2024 elections encompasses 543 constituencies, unfolding in seven phases, commencing on April 19th and concluding on June 1st. Notably, the vote count is slated for June 4th, with polling phases distributed as follows: April 19th (Phase 1), April 26th (Phase 2), May 7th (Phase 3), May 13th (Phase 4), May 20th (Phase 5), May 25th (Phase 6), and June 1st (Phase 7).
Why did the Congress field Ajay Rai?
Rai’s induction into the Congress party marked a strategic move to rejuvenate the party’s presence in Uttar Pradesh, leveraging his considerable support and influence at the grassroots level. His active participation in Congress’s nationwide initiatives like Bharat Jodo and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, aimed at connecting with the common people, underscores his alignment with the party’s objectives. With Rai’s candidature, the Congress aims to field a candidate capable of challenging PM Modi’s stronghold in Uttar Pradesh. The recent announcement of the fourth list of candidates, including veterans like Digvijaya Singh and Lal Singh, further reflects the party’s strategic approach to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Conclusion
Congress pulling this rather strategic move may have mixed implications as two very powerful contenders standing head-to-head in the upcoming elections is bound to set fire to the stage. What do you think of this? Will PM Modi’s winning streak be disturbed this time around? Or will Ajay Rai lose to Modi once again?
