At the heart of Rajasthan's political discourse presently is a young 26-year-old leader who has become an independent MLA for the Shiv Assembly constituency. Bordering Pakistan, this seat is now spotlighted with Ravindra Singh Bhati filing his nomination as an independent for the Lok Sabha elections. His roadshows and meetings attract thousands, all eager to listen and support him.
Challenging the Modi government minister Kailash Choudhary for the Barmer Lok Sabha seat, Bhati's nomination brought a human tide to the streets. The images of this overwhelming support have made him one of the most discussed candidates in this election, leaving everyone keen to unravel the magic behind his public allure.
Source: aajtak
His father a teacher, Ravindra's upbringing in rural Barmer was modest. His early education took place in a nearby government school before he moved to a city school for higher studies. It was at Jai Narain Vyas University where Bhati first dipped his toes into student politics, joining the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). After graduating, he pursued law.
Snubbed by ABVP, Won Student Union Presidency Independently
In 2019, Bhati sought an ABVP ticket for student union presidency but was overlooked for another candidate. Undaunted, he ran independently and historically won. Since then, he has never looked back, leading student movements, confronting the Gehlot government on various matters, even getting arrested for student causes. His defiance and commitment have endeared him to students and young voters alike.
Source: aajtak
His popularity surged when he helped his friend Arvind Singh Bhati win the Jai Narain Vyas University student union election. Excluded by the NSUI, Arvind ran under the SFI banner. Ravindra spearheaded his campaign, securing the victory that made him a state-level sensation. Later, Bhati joined BJP and vied for a ticket for the Rajasthan Assembly election from the Shiv constituency.
Defied BJP, Triumphed as Independent in Assembly Election
Despite BJP's plans for a clean sweep, Bhati's independent candidacy from Barmer increased BJP's anxiety. His ABVP background and ideological affinity to BJP meant his supporters came primarily from the party's own voter base, thus becoming a thorn in BJP's side.
Source: aajtak
His popularity isn't limited to Western Rajasthan. Bhati has been reaching out to diaspora voters across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The swelling crowds at his meetings have shocked seasoned politicians. On social media, Bhati's presence is booming with his followers growing by the hundreds of thousands and his content going viral.
