In a significant political development, Congress candidate Rupinder Singh Kooner emerged victorious in the Karanpur by-election in Rajasthan. The bypoll results, announced by the Election Commission of India, revealed that Kooner secured 94,950 votes (48.55%), defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and Rajasthan minister Surenderpal Singh, who garnered 83,667 votes (42.78%).
Notably, Surenderpal Singh holds ministerial responsibilities for four key departments in Rajasthan – Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Educator, Indira Gandhi Canal Department, and Minority Affairs.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor commented on the outcome, describing it as a “stunning victory” for Rupinder Singh Kooner and suggesting that it could be indicative of future trends. Tharoor expressed the view that voters do not appreciate being taken for granted, emphasizing a potential dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also weighed in, stating that the election conveyed several messages, including a response to the arrogance of the BJP. Gehlot congratulated Rupinder Singh Kooner on the triumph, acknowledging it as a tribute to the public service initiatives of the late Gurmreet Singh Koonar.
The Karanpur by-election was necessitated by the unfortunate demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar, the sitting MLA. The Congress party, in response, fielded Gurmeet Singh’s son, Rupinder Singh Kooner, as their candidate.
This electoral victory for Congress comes against the backdrop of the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Election, where the BJP secured 115 seats, forming the majority, while Congress became the opposition with 68 seats.
