By M Reyaz, TwoCircles.net,
Ajmer/Pushkar: The names of two ancient towns of Ajmer and Pushkar draw certain pictures in our minds. Ajmer is world famous for the shrine or Dargah Shariff of Hazrat Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti, popularly known as Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz. One of the oldest existing town of Pushkar in Ajmer district, on the other hand, is one of the five sacred dhams (pilgrimage site) for devout Hindus, and is popular for annual camel fair held each year towards November end.
The demography of these two towns, however, are such that Pushkar often sends Muslim representatives while Ajmer sends Sindhi-Hindu representatives to the state Assembly. While Ajmer has only over 11% Muslim population, they comprise of 32% of the Pushkar constituency.
Congress candidate from Pushkar, Naseem Akhtar Insaf with party workers outside her home.
In Pushkar, Rawats comprise of the second biggest community with roughly 22% voters, while Rajputs and Gijjars form 15 and 17 % of voters. Thus generally a combination of Muslim plus Rawats or Gujjars have gernally been the winning formula here.
Pushkar has generally been a Congress bastion, but a minority face has helped BJP clinch victory on some occasions. BJP won the Pushkar constituency for the first time in 1995, when Ramzan Khan contested from here. Since 2003, however, Congress has been winning the seat.
Sitting Congress MLA and Minister of State for Education, Naseem Akhtar Insaf is fighting against rookie BJP candidate Suresh Rawat.
Speaking to TCN, Suresh Rawat says that as a son of farmer he has faced many hardships and he can better understand the anguish of all deprived communities. He alleges that his rival Naseem Akhtar was busy in Jaipur and did not give any time to her constituency.
Poster of BJP candidate Suresh Singh Rawat from Pushkar.
In an exclusive interview to TCN, Naseem Akhtar, however, elaborated on her achievements, adding that she enjoys the support of all communities. She said, “I am proud that my constituency is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site. I have always enjoyed the blessings of not only Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, but also the Hindu saints.”
Elaborating on the work she does for her constituency by opening schools, health centers, etc, she said that throughout her tenure, she has been at the forefront of seeing that the annual fair at Pushkar is organized properly.
Two times MLA and BJP candidate from Ajmer North, Prof. Vasudev Devnani during a ‘Jan-Sampark.’
The Ajmer North constituency, that house the Dargah, has Sindhis as the single biggest and the most influential community. Since 1957, only a Sindhi candidate has won from this constituency, and if any party fields candidates from other community, the Sindhis unite to defeat that party. Other communities, hence, often feel neglected here.
The Congress gambled last time by giving ticket to a non-Sindhi Shrigopal Baheti, but lost to former minister in the Vasundhra government, Professor Vasudev Devnani. The BJP candidate told TCN, “I work for all communities. With the vision to make Vasundhrajee as CM and Narendra Modi as our PM, we are contesting this elections and will win with people’s support.”
Main entrance of Dargah Shariff of Hazrat Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.
The Congress is repeating the bet this time again, by giving ticket to Dr Gopal Baheti. This has fuelled anger among Sindhis. On Thursday last Poojiya Sindhi Panchayat has announced it boycott of the Congress party on the pretext that it has not nominated any candidate from the Sindhi community.
A Sindhi samaj leader confirmed that there was fair amount of anti-incumbency against Devnani even amongst Sindhis, but now they are left with little options.
A man selling sacred thread outside Dargah.
Meanwhile, even though symbolically, each candidate and elected representatives, do not miss opportunities in paying homage to the shrines of both Hindus and Muslims.