Rajasthan Anta by-election: Congress's Pramod Jain Bhaya wins by 15,612 votes, BJP jolted

Jaipur: While Congress was disappointed after the defeat in Bihar, the Anta by-election in Rajasthan gave a big relief to the party. In the results declared on Friday, Congress candidate Pramod Jain 'Bhaya' secured 69,571 votes after 20 rounds of counting and defeated BJP candidate Morpal Suman by 15,612 votes. Independent candidate Naresh Meena stood third with 53,800 votes.

Did heavy voting change the equation for Pramod Jain Bhaya?

This election with more than 80 percent voting gave a deep blow to the hopes of BJP. The defeat of Suman, who is considered close to former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, is a cause of uneasiness in the party. After the victory, Bhaya said that it is a victory of public trust and he is grateful for such a big margin. Out of total 3.5 lakh voters, around 2.8 lakh cast their votes in Anta seat.

आभार अंता, जनता की जीत,
कांग्रेस कार्यकर्ताओं की विजय..! pic.twitter.com/7cKpuMIrWM

— Pramod Bhaya (@PramodBhayaINC) November 14, 2025

Congress directly benefited from record voting. Bhaya gave priority to development work and farmers' issues throughout the campaign, which gave him an edge in rural areas. This area was generally considered a stronghold of BJP, but this time the wind blew in the opposite direction. BJP's Suman got only 53,959 votes. Although independent Naresh Meena cut votes, Bhaya's lead remained strong.

Why did Vasundhara Raje's influence not last?

Morpal Suman, who has been considered close to Vasundhara Raje for a long time, could barely save second place. This defeat is raising many questions within the BJP. BJP's Kanwarlal Meena had won the seat in the 2023 assembly elections, but his membership was canceled on May 1, 2025, after he was convicted in a 2005 case. After this, BJP's OBC vote bank appeared weak. Meanwhile, Congress paid special attention to EWS and women voters, which benefited it. The question is also arising whether this result will affect Raje's politics.

Is the message of the by-elections an indication of the politics of 2028?

This result is a morale boost for Congress after the defeat in Bihar. More than 80% of the voting proved that local issues are still decisive. Congress's local strategy and hold on the rural front were effective. BJP is claiming that Raje's influence remains intact, but the public did not accept this claim in this election. Now the question is, is this a glimpse for by-elections 2028 or just a local hint?