Madhya Pradesh Elections 2023: Why stakes are high for Jyotiraditya Scindia; how his supporters will fare in Gwalior-Chambal?

Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections in 2023 are approaching their conclusion, with the results slated to be announced on December 3. This pivotal moment will reveal the preference of the people of Madhya Pradesh and determine who will wield power in the state. The stakes are high for several senior BJP leaders in this election. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindhia is not a candidate but his influence and credibility remain under scrutiny.

Fate of many Scindia supporter ministers hang in balance

Many ministers aligned with Scindia are contesting in the elections, and the fate of many seats associated with his close associates hangs in the balance. Scindia played a crucial role in the Congress campaign during the 2020 assembly elections, contributing significantly to the party's success in the Gwalior-Chambal area. When Scindia joined the BJP, there were expectations of substantial gains in the same region, but tensions have escalated due to the increased competition in seats held by ministers supporting Scindia.

Mahendra Singh Sisodia facing tough competition

The electoral battle for these ministers is intense. Panchayat Minister Mahendra Singh Sisodia, a staunch Scindia supporter, is contesting from Bamauri, facing tough competition. Suresh Rathkheda, another supporter, is contesting from Pohri and is encountering opposition, adding to the strain. Govind Singh Rajput, contesting from Surkhi, is also in race, though his position is deemed strong by experts.

Imarti Devi facing challenge from her kin Suresh Raje

Imarti Devi, a prominent supporter of Scindia, is vying for the seat in Dabra, facing a challenging competition from her kin Suresh Raje. Her previous defeat in the 2018 by-election makes her path appear arduous. 

Additionally, the seat of Scindia's supporter minister Tulsiram Silawat from Indore's Sanwer constituency is expected to witness a tough contest. Jajpal Singh Jajji, a former Congress contestant and a Scindia supporter, is now the BJP candidate from Ashoknagar district, and is facing tough challenge.

The credibility of these ministers and the outcome of their electoral battles are closely linked to Jyotiraditya Scindia's reputation. His vigorous campaigning for his supporters reflects the significance of these elections, where victory or defeat for these ministers could significantly impact Scindia's credibility.