In 2019, the strong consolidation under the BJP, along with ally Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), netted it all 25 seats in the state. Consequently, the Congress has a spring in its step courtesy Jat anger while tribals are consolidating under the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP).
There is growing discontent among the Gujjars and Bakerwals over the Modi government's promise of ST status to Paharis, while the latter are angry over their long wait; the two can influence results in more than a dozen constituencies in Pir Panjal region.
CM Ashok Gehlot led from the front, hopes to break the incumbent jinx; BJP hopes its Hindutva plus law-and-order decline campaign will work against Cong schemes