Rajasthan Election: CPI(M)’s Pema Ram Garners Massive Support from Farmers, Poor

Rajasthan assembly election is expected to be largely a bipolar contest between the BJP and the Congress, but the ground reality in the Shekhawati region, particularly Sikar district, is a bit different. Dhod and Danta Ramgarh constituencies of the region, which have considerable influence of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M), seem to be in favour of the Left candidates.

Newsclick tried to grasp the mood of the people in Dhod constituency where CPI(M) candidate Pema Ram is challenging the BJP and the Congress. The people in the area say that the two major parties have “not worked for the welfare of the farmers, workers, Dalits and minorities during their tenures”.

Left-affiliated farmers’ outfits had organised a massive protest in Sikar and adjoining districts in February this year, demanding a farm loan waiver. Ram had led the protest, and had succeeded in getting the government to accept the demands.

The CPI(M) has decided to contest 30 out of the 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan. In the 2008 assembly election, the CPI(M) had won three seats in Rajasthan - Dhod and Danta Ramgarh in Sikar district and Anupgarh in Sri Ganganagar district.