📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann (talk)
Politics
Congress fields Ramesh Payla, ex-BJP chief backs him in Kotputli local elections
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 16 Sep 2026, 06:01 PM
👁 8
In Kotputli's local body elections, the Congress nominated Ramesh Payla while the BJP put forward Kamal Saini; former BJP district chairman Mahendra Saini publicly backed the Congress candidate.
The Kotputli municipal election in Rajasthan has drawn attention as major parties finalize their candidates for the upcoming vote. The Congress party announced Ramesh Payla as its official nominee for the council seat, positioning him as the face of its local campaign. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party fielded Kamal Saini, signalling a direct contest between the two contenders.
Mahendra Saini, a former chairman of the BJP's district unit, broke ranks by endorsing the Congress candidate, Ramesh Payla. His public support was conveyed through a statement praising Payla's experience and commitment to local development, a move that could influence voter perception given Saini's standing within the party's grassroots network.
Political analysts note that such cross‑party endorsements are rare in Rajasthan's local politics and may reflect internal rifts within the BJP at the district level. The endorsement adds a new dimension to the race, potentially swaying undecided voters who respect Mahendra Saini's legacy.
Election officials have confirmed that the polling will take place as scheduled, with both parties gearing up for intensive door‑to‑door campaigns. The outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of broader political trends ahead of the state assembly elections.
Mahendra Saini, a former chairman of the BJP's district unit, broke ranks by endorsing the Congress candidate, Ramesh Payla. His public support was conveyed through a statement praising Payla's experience and commitment to local development, a move that could influence voter perception given Saini's standing within the party's grassroots network.
Political analysts note that such cross‑party endorsements are rare in Rajasthan's local politics and may reflect internal rifts within the BJP at the district level. The endorsement adds a new dimension to the race, potentially swaying undecided voters who respect Mahendra Saini's legacy.
Election officials have confirmed that the polling will take place as scheduled, with both parties gearing up for intensive door‑to‑door campaigns. The outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of broader political trends ahead of the state assembly elections.