Chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot is likely to make his electoral debut from Jodhpur or Jalore-Sirohi Lok Sabha constituency, said party insiders.

In an oblique reference, while addressing a gathering in Jalore last week, the CM had set off speculations when he said that he had wanted to launch his son from Jalore-Sirohi Lok Sabha seat for a while but the party leadership has to take the final call.

Sources claim that Vaibhav may make his political debut from Jodhpur, his home town. Some senior leaders in the party, however, said that the chief minister’s son, who is general secretary of the state Congress committee, will be contesting elections either from Jodhpur or Jalore-Sirohi Lok Sabha constituency.

“Vaibhav has been working actively for the party organisation at various levels, be it Youth Congress or state Congress committee, his debut was expected many times, even during 2009 Lok Sabha election from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur seat,” said one of the senior party leaders.

Jodhpur parliamentary constituency comprises eight assembly constituencies. Congress candidates represent six of them, while two seat are with BJP. Of the eight assembly seats in Jalore-Sirohi parliamentary constituency, Congress and an independent (Congress rebel) has won on each, while rest six are with BJP.

A local leader of Jodhpur, on condition of anonymity said Vaibhav contesting from any of the two seats has its positive and negative points – the party has majority MLAs in Jodhpur; its his home town and CM has its hold and popularity among masses; and the social engineering ensured while giving tickets in last assembly elections, will give an edge. But internal bickering with his candidature cannot be neglected, which is a vital point as Ashok Gehlot has been the face for last 40 years.

The leader, however, added that despite having a single seat in party’s kitty could convert in Vaibhav’s favour as its debut of CM’S son, and also will help in strengthening of the organisation in the district.

Political analyst Narayn Bareth said, “Vaibhav’s entry in electoral politics is obvious and justified. The results will show his acceptance among the masses.” He said between the two seats Jodhpur will be more fruitful as its Gehlot legacy will come as support; majority seats with Congress; hometown; a natural constituency for him. At Jaloresirohi, the caste equation, strong OBC vote base would benefit him.

Vaibhav’s candidature would be seen as the only exception to the parameter laid by high command asking to avoid ticket to any relative of a leader in the Lok Sabha elections, said a leader. Putting an end to speculations, state party president Sachin Pilot too has earlier tried to nix the idea by saying he will not want anyone from his family to contest as it would be unfair to the Congress workers.

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First Published: Mar 14, 2019 13:30 IST