BHOPAL, 8 November 2003 — Even before the campaigning could start in right earnest for the ensuing elections in the four states which go to polls on Dec. 1, the element of violence has already entered the poll fray at the level of ticket distribution. The ruling Congress and its main adversary rightist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi both are facing a big challenge from the rebel candidates.
Considering the threat from rebels as real, BJP has started the preparation in right earnest to nip it in the bud, whereas the Congress seems to be in ducking mood rather than working out a strategy to deal with it.
The real face of threat is very clear in Madhya Pradesh, where Congressmen have gone on the rampage and attacked rival candidates. Congressmen have also started to figure in the list of candidates issued by other parties in the state signaling intensifying of quit Congress syndrome. The scene is more or less similar in other Congress ruled states too.
Acting timely on this front, BJP has drawn up a strategy to effectively deal with the problem.
