Kejriwal backs independent candidate Naresh Meena in Rajasthan’s Anta bypoll

Responding to his appeal, Kejriwal posted, “Naresh ji, the Aam Aadmi Party is always with you,” formally extending his support.

Following the announcement, AAP Rajasthan co-in charge Ghanendra Bhardwaj launched a sharp attack on both major parties, accusing the Congress and BJP of “looting Rajasthan.” He urged AAP workers in the state to back Meena’s campaign in Anta.

Created in 2008, Anta is a general category seat where Pramod Jain Bhaya has been the Congress choice in every election. Since its creation, the seat has swung between the Congress and BJP, with Bhaya, a Jain leader from Baran district, winning in 2008 and 2018.

In 2023, Kanwarlal Meena from Jhalawar district won the seat but was disqualified after being convicted in a 20-year-old case, leading to the current bypoll.

The BJP has fielded Morpal Suman, the sitting Pradhan of Baran Panchayat Samiti from the Mali community — a pick party leaders said was aimed at projecting a local face.

BJP sources said that while AAP’s backing is symbolically significant, it may have limited electoral impact. In the 2023 Assembly polls, AAP’s candidate Om Prakash Gochar had secured only 1,334 votes, about 0.76% of the total in Anta. However, Kejriwal’s endorsement could help Naresh Meena consolidate anti-establishment votes and reshape the campaign narrative.

The Anta by-election will see 15 candidates in the fray. Voting is scheduled for November 11, with results to be declared on November 14. BJP rebel Rampal Meghwal has withdrawn his nomination, making the contest primarily between Congress’s Pramod Jain Bhaya, BJP’s Morpal Suman, and independent Naresh Meena.