A AKHTER
Kota : Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, contesting for the third consecutive time, stands to achieve a personal milestone by potentially winning the April 26 polls, securing three successive terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and a hat-trick as a Member of Parliament.
Birla initially served as an MLA from 2003 until 2013, winning the Kota South assembly segment for three consecutive terms. Subsequently, he was elected as an MP in both 2014 and 2019.
A heavyweight contender, Mr. Prahlad Gunjal a former two-time BJP MLA from Kota North, now stands as the Congress candidate against his once friend, turned foe.
Mr. Gunjal, known for his ties to the Vasundhara Raje Scindia camp, is a prominent leader from the Gujjar community and has traversed the political landscape alongside Mr. Om Birla.
At present, it looks odds are in favour of BJP but with caste situation favouring Congress candidate.
The contest in Kota Lok Sabha constituency have become talk of the town.
Both candidates are embarking on whirlwind tours in this hot sunny day of their respective constituencies.
On one side, Mr. Birla is campaigning on the promise of “Modi ki Guarantee,” while on the other, Mr. Parlahad Gunjal is fighting to uphold his self-respect and to teach a lesson to the BJP.