Assembly Elections 2018: Caste matter, development is not a major issue in Barmer

Barmer Lok Sabha constituency is geographically the biggest parliamentary constituency in India. Barmer assembly constituency is a general seat with Congress stronghold. The majority of people live here hails from rural background. According to the 2011 census, the area has a population of 370721 in number.

Among which 72.8% are rural population and 27.2 % belongs to urban people. Total population consists of 15.2 % schedule caste and 4.66% constitute schedule tribes. According to the voter list of 2017, the total population of Barmer assembly constituency is 223808. The voting percentage in 2014 was 75.97 while that in 2013 was 78.8. The constituency is dominated by Rajputs, Jats, scheduled castes and minority voters. Scheduled caste and minority community are considered to be the traditional vote bank of the Congress. Rajputs and Jats have a decisive role in the constituency. People vote on the basis of caste, and development is not a major issue.

If we look at the results of 2013 assembly elections in Barmer, Congress candidate Mewaram Jain won the seat from continuous second time defeating BJP candidate Dr. Priyanka Choudhary with a vote margin of 5913 votes. Jain could get 63955 while Choudhary could get 58042 votes. At the same time the rebellious leader of BJP Mradurekha Choudhary stood third with 19518 votes. In the year 2008, Mevaram Jain defeated BJP candidate Mradurekha Choudhary with a margin of 24044 votes. Jain could get 62219 and Mradurekha Choudhary could get 38175 votes.

The scene was different in the year 2003. The fate decided BJP to rule here for next five years. Party candidate Taga Ram defeated Congress candidate Vridi Chand Jain. Taga Ram got 65780 and Vridhi could get 35257 votes. The winning vote margin was 30523. But destiny turns to Congress from next elections and since then the party continues to rule here. This time too, Congress as much higher chance to win the seat.