In a surprising move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Union Minister Faggan Singh Kulaste as its candidate for the Niwas Assembly Constituency in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. Currently holding the position of Union Minister of State for Steel and Lok Sabha MP from Mandla parliamentary constituency, Kulaste is a well-known tribal leader within the BJP and is also being considered a potential contender for the post of Chief Minister.
Faggan Singh Kulaste as Niwas Constituency Candidate
The Niwas Assembly Constituency, located in Mandla district, has a historical significance for the BJP. It was previously considered a stronghold of the party, with Faggan’s brother Ram Pyare Kulaste winning assembly elections thrice from this seat. However, in the 2018 elections, Dr. Ashok Marskole of the Congress clinched victory, defeating Ram Pyare Kulaste by a margin of over 28,000 votes. To reclaim this seat, the BJP has fielded Faggan Singh Kulaste in the upcoming elections.
BJP’s Choice to Reclaim Niwas in Madhya Pradesh Elections
Notably, the Congress had secured victory on this seat in the years 1993 and 1998. Faggan Singh Kulaste had previously won from Niwas in 1990, marking the BJP’s first triumph on this seat. The BJP’s decision to field Faggan Singh Kulaste is significant, aiming to win back this tribal-dominated seat and strengthen their position in the Mahakaushal area. In the 2018 assembly elections, the BJP’s performance in tribal-dominated seats dipped, prompting a strategic move to regain ground and reduce the losses faced in the previous election cycle.
Here’s a historical overview of the Niwas Assembly Constituency since 1980
1980: Dalpat Singh Uike of Congress
1985: Dayal Singh of Congress
1990: BJP’s Faggan Singh Kulaste
1993: Dayal Singh of Congress
1998: Surata Singh Marvi of Congress
2003: BJP’s Rampyare Kulaste
2008: BJP’s Rampyare Kulaste
2013: BJP’s Rampyare Kulaste
2018: Ashok Marskole of Congress
