Key bypolls in MP to test Jyotiraditya's strength

After the drubbing in the bypolls in Rajasthan, the BJP is straining its every nerve to win the two bypolls in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The bypolls for Mungaoli and Kolaras assembly constituencies would be held on February 24 and the results would be announced on February 28.

Both the seats fall in the Lok Sabha constituency of Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and were held by the Congress. The Congress is doing everything to retain them and give a clear indication that it is on a comeback trail in the state.

The results would have an impact on the state assembly elections to be held in November. The BJP is going ahead with the slogan ‘Ab Ki Baar 200 paar’ (200 seats this time), while Jyotiraditya has coined “abki baar jyotiraditya sarckar” (Jyotiraditya government this time). Jyotiraditya of the Congress and his aunt and BJP leader Yashodhara Raje are vigorously campaigning in the two constituencies. They are wooing the voters invoking their royal past in a constituency where the Scindia clan has great influence. Yashodhara is fondly referred as Raje and Jyotiraditya as Maharaj by the locals.

The bypolls are important for Jyotiraditya as a victory could help in the Congress announcing him as the party’s CM candidate.