NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) confirming landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh, securing a remarkable 163 seats, another electoral drama unfolded in Shajapur constituency with a nail-biting finish, with it witnessing a slender Congress defeat.
The constituency which has historically seen Congress veteran Kharda Hukumsingh claim victory in the constituency, has very recently been grasping at his dominion with BJP’s Arun Bhimawad edging him out by a narrow margin of 28 votes.
11 Term Journey of Shajhapur Constituency
Hukumsingh, a seasoned contender who had held the Shajapur seat since 1993, faced a dramatic turn of events, in the 2013 elections as he lost his stronghold to Bhimawad with a margin of 1,938 votes. However, Singh rebounded in 2018 with a massive margin of 44,979 votes against Bhimawad.
The recent twist in the electoral saga saw Bhimawad emerge victorious, reclaiming the seat while securing 98,960 votes, with the Congress veteran polling 98,932 votes.
2023 Assembly Constituency Election
As the results unfolded, clashes erupted between BJP and Congress workers outside the counting spot in Shajapur. Police intervention, including lathi charges and tear gas, was employed to disperse the agitated crowds. The intensity of the clash mirrored the high-stakes nature of this fiercely contested constituency.
2018 Legislative Assembly Constituency Election
Shajapur, part of the Malwa North region, played host to an electoral drama that captured the nation’s attention. Arun Bhimawad’s triumph by such a narrow margin showcased the unpredictable dynamics of electoral battles. The constituency, with an estimated Scheduled Caste population of 23.53 per cent and Scheduled Tribe population of 3.99 per cent has been a traditional political arena.
2013 Assembly Constituency Election
Before Bhimawad entered the political landscape of the Shajapur constituency, the BJP had last secured it only twice, once in 1990 and the other time in 1985, by Laxmi Narain Patel and Purushottam, respectively.