It speaks volumes for Solomon’s popularity that he was elected from a predominantly Hindu constituency several times. In Digvijay Singh government, he was minister for Higher education. Solomon’s sister is married to Ajit Jogi, former chief minister of Chhattisgarh.

The Congress has nominated Solomon’s daughter as its candidate. Jogi and his wife are likely to campaign for their niece.

This is the first bye-election in the state after Kantilal Bhuria took over as the President of the MP Congress. It also happens to be the first bye-election after Ms. Uma Bharati’s return to the BJP. Jabera is a part of the Budelkhand region—considered a stronghold of Uma Bharati. Voters belonging to the Lodhi community have a significant presence in the constituency. And Ms. Bharati too happens to be a Lodhi. But despite this, Ms. Bharati’s name does not figure in the list of campaigners for the BJP. She is conspicuous by her absence in the list submitted by the party to the Election Commission. This is a clear indication that BJP Chief Nitin Gadkari intends to keep his promise of steering Ms. Bharati away from MP politics.

The BJP is attaching great importance to the bye-election. By snatching the seat from the Congress, it is keen to send a clear message that the change in the state Congress’ leadership had not made any difference to the latter’s electoral fortunes.

Jabera forms part of the Mahakaushal region, which, at one time, used to be a Congress stronghold. Congress workers from this area had made significant contribution to the freedom struggle. With time, Congress influence in the area started waning. Jabera is in the Damoh district. And the Damoh Lok Sabha constituency is presently held by the BJP. Of the four assembly seats in Damoh Lok Sabha constituency, three had returned BJP candidates in the last assembly elections. Solomon was the sole Congress MLA from the district. Naturally, the BJP is confident of annexing Jabera.

For the Congress, it is the first test of the organisational capacities of its new state President Kantilal Bhuria, who has replaced Mr. Suresh Pachauri as also of Rahul Singh, the new leader of opposition in the assembly. Rahul is the son of Congress veteran late Mr. Arjun Singh. The former was nominated as the leader of CLP, ignoring the claims of more senior and apparently better qualified leaders. Rahul Singh, thus, would also be working hard for a victory in Jabera.

There are clear indications that the Congress will be fighting to retain Jabera as a united team. Almost all party leaders of consequence will be camping at Jabera. Tour programmes of all leaders have been announced. Union minister Kamalnath and AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh are among the key campaigners. AICC observer BK Hairprasad will be keeping an eye on the party campaign.

The Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan has already addressed a series of well-attended public meetings at Jabera. More are to follow. Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Ms. Sushma Swaraj too figures in the list of BJP star campaigners. (IPA Service)