Jaipur: After cross-voting and factional differences in the urban local body elections, Rajasthan Congress has tasked 41 district observers with screening candidates and managing grassroots coordination for the upcoming Panchayati Raj polls.The observers will assess aspirants on party affiliation, organisational record, local standing and winnability. They will consult district presidents, block-level functionaries, former candidates and grassroots workers before recommending names.The observers include five MPs — Murarilal Meena, Kuldeep Indora, Bhajanlal Jatav, Brijendra Ola and Ummedaram Beniwal — and seven MLAs — Ramkesh Meena, Rohit Bohra, Amin Kagazi, Rafeek Khan, Pramod Jain Bhaya, Doongar Ram Gedar and Anil Sharma. Vaibhav Gehlot, son of former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, has been assigned Alwar, the home district of Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully.The observers will also identify potential rebels, disputes over tickets and attempts by rival factions to undermine official candidates. The aim is to resolve internal differences before they affect the campaign.The exercise follows cross-voting and factional differences during contests for key posts in the urban polls. Congress wants observers to remain involved throughout the rural campaign and monitor developments after polling.A key challenge will be keeping elected members aligned during elections for Pradhans and Zila Pramukhs, where local political equations can influence outcomes.PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra said observers must involve all sections of the party in the campaign. “Our observers will have to reach out to all sections within the party and ensure that even those who may have differences over candidate selection are involved in the campaign,” he said.Dotasra said winning candidates would also be counselled after the polls to maintain coordination and discipline during elections for key Panchayati Raj posts.The party is also looking to give greater representation to Gen Z aspirants and young workers with a proven NSUI track record.
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