In Rajasthan, woman contesting assembly elections against husband: Here's why

JAIPUR: Rajasthan's Bikaner (East) constituency will witness an interesting battle in the upcoming assembly elections with a woman deciding to contest elections against her husband as an independent candidate. Swaroop Chand Ghelot (55) and his wife Manjulata Ghelot (52) would give a tough fight to each other as they have filed nominations as independent candidates from Bikaner (East). Swaroop said he has been fighting elections as an independent candidate since 1988 and whenever he goes on campaigning during polls his wife remains alone at home. Worried about his wife's loneliness at home, he asked her to file nomination so that they both can stay together even during campaigning. "We are a happily married couple for 35 years. I have been contesting elections since 1988, however, whenever I leave for a campaign my wife becomes bored at home as all our three daughters are married now. In order to spend time with each other, we have decided that this year, she would also contest polls," Swaroop told ANI. The couple will focus on key issues revolving around development as well as women empowerment. According to them, they would also address farmers' apathy as they have been overlooked by the political parties and the state government. "We have been supportive to each other. It doesn't matter who wins as we both will stand by each other. Also, we were quite confident that one of us will definitely win," Manjulata said. She said she is aiming for women's vote whereas her husband is seeking men's vote. Rajasthan will go to polls in a single phase on December 7, and results will be announced on December 11.