Kota: Aam Aadmi Party made a striking entry into Rajasthan’s local politics after winning a clear majority in the Baran Municipal Council and dislodging Congress from a board it had held for 15 years.AAP won 31 of 60 wards of the council, crossing the majority mark on its own. Congress, long the dominant force in the council and closely associated with former minister Pramod Jain Bhaya, was reduced to 18 seats. BJP won nine, while independents took two.The result marks a significant political shift in Baran, where civic elections had traditionally been a straight contest between Congress and BJP. AAP’s performance also signals its arrival in a region where local identities and smaller outfits, including tribal formations such as the Bharat Adivasi Party, have shaped political space beyond the two national parties.AAP’s campaign in Baran was led by former municipal council chairperson Kamal Rathore, a local leader who began his political career in the ABVP and later moved through BJP and Congress before contesting under the AAP banner. Notably, the party’s publicity material, including posters and banners, did not feature the names or photographs of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, keeping the campaign firmly centred on its local face.With AAP securing an absolute majority, attention has now shifted to the election of the municipal council chairperson. The post is reserved for a general category female candidate. Kamal Rathore’s wife, Sheetal Rathore, who won from ward 37, is seen as a likely contender for the post.After winning from ward 46, Kamal Rathore addressed supporters and the media, framing the verdict as a rejection of the city’s old political order.“The people of Baran chose development. The corrupt politicians who pushed Baran backward and harassed the public… the people of Baran have completely wiped them out. The public’s decision to vote for progress proves that they want Baran to move forward with prosperity and growth,” Rathore said.“Our goal was set, and we succeeded. Now, our priority is to fulfil the expectations of the people who placed their trust in us,” he added.Baran Congress district general secretary Kailash Jain said the party would examine its organisational shortcomings and take corrective steps after discussions with senior leaders. BJP Baran district president Naresh Sikarwal said the party would review the reasons for its setback in the election.
