MP Cong poses tough challenge before BJP ahead of assembly polls

Bhopal, Dec 15 (UNI) While emerging from its internal conflicts, the Congress has wrested Khargone Lok Sabha and Sanver Assembly seats from the BJP in the by-elections in Madhya Pradesh posing a major challenge to the ruling party ahead of next year's assembly election.

The bypoll results had increased worries of the BJP, which is already surrounded by troubles and was under attack by the Opposition on several fronts. On the other hand, it had infused fresh enthusiasm in the Congress, which was experiencing factionalism.

Political observers feel the BJP would have to review what caused the defeat of its candidate Krishnamurari Moghe -- known as 'Vikas Purush' of Nimad region -- in its citadel, Khargone, at the hands of Congress nominee and state Congress President Subhash Yadav's son Arun Yadav.

The result increased the stature of Mr Arun Yadav, who defeated Mr Moghe by a record margin of 1,18,638 votes, and his father. For Mr Subhash Yadav, who was facing criticism over not being able to form party executive body, the victory came like oxygen. It is expected that the bypoll victory would put to rest internal dissension within the party.

Political pundits believe that the BJP would not be able to digest Mr Moghe's defeat easily, as he enjoyed a good image among voters. However, dissatisfaction of electorate from Khargone against seven sitting legislators caused the defeat.

However, the poll outcome in Sanver assembly constituency could not be described as unexpected due to simmering discontent against fielding of Mr Santosh Malviya, who was earlier projected by the BJ as its candidate.

According to political pundits, the BJP, which earlier tasted defeat at the hands of the Congress in Shivpuri assembly bypoll when it fielded ex-Congress leader Ganesh Gautam, would refrain from experimenting in future.

The bypoll defeat could increase troubles for Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was already a target of the Opposition in the much-debated dumper purchase case.

Earlier, defeats in Sidhi Lok Sabha, Shivpuri and Lanji Assembly seats bypoll had rung alarm bells for the BJP. However, the recent blows in Sanver and Khargone would cause greater concern to the BJP.

UNI