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In a bid to reclaim the Mathura Lok Sabha seat, the Congress party is gearing up for an electoral showdown by fielding boxing sensation Vijender Singh against incumbent BJP candidate Hema Malini. This move marks a strategic maneuver by the Congress to challenge the BJP’s stronghold in the constituency and rally support from the influential Jat community.
Mathura, known for its significant Jat voter base, has historically been a bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the party securing victory multiple times since the constituency’s inception in 1951-52. The Congress, which last clinched the seat in 2004, is keen on reversing this trend and making significant inroads in the upcoming polls.
The decision to nominate Vijender Singh underscores the Congress’s concerted efforts to consolidate Jat votes, a demographic crucial for electoral success in Mathura. With the BJP’s Hema Malini seeking a third consecutive term, the Congress is banking on Vijender’s popularity and community appeal to mount a formidable challenge.
For the BJP, consolidating Jat votes has been a strategic imperative, particularly in light of Hema Malini’s initial status as an outsider in the region. However, her marriage to Sikh Jat actor Dharmendra Deol has helped solidify her image as the ‘Jat bahu,’ bolstering her rapport with the community. Furthermore, the inclusion of RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary in the NDA fold has strengthened the BJP’s position, mitigating concerns over potential erosion of Jat support.
Nevertheless, the Congress remains undeterred in its pursuit of the Mathura seat, banking on Vijender Singh’s stature and community credentials to sway Jat voters in its favor. Vijender’s entry into the electoral fray injects a new dimension into the political landscape of Mathura, setting the stage for an intriguing electoral battle between two formidable contenders.
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