Bharatpur, Sept. 5 -- Ahead of civic elections, eastern Rajasthan has emerged a key battleground for both the BJP and the state Congress. While anti-incumbency in certain wards and the entry of independents and rebels may influence the result, both camps have intensified consolidating grassroots campaigns around their candidates. In Bharatpur Municipal Corporation, which has 65 wards, both the BJP and Congress have reportedly refrained from allotting party symbols in eight to nine wards, leaving the field open to independent candidates. Former cabinet minister and Congress leader Vishvendra Singh earlier expressed displeasure over ticket distribution in the urban body. Bharatpur Congress district president Dinesh Supa expressed confidence. "We are confident of making a Congress mayor," he said. Bharatpur BJP district president Shivani Dayma said party workers and elected representatives had reached the ground to campaign for BJP candidates. "People will support the BJP on the basis of the development works carried out by the government," she said. In Dholpur Municipal Council, which has 60 wards, Congress and independent candidates are expected to put up a strong performance. Several colonies have faced waterlogging, leading to resentment and protests by locals. BJP district president Rajvir Singh Rajawat said the party would form the board in the council. He said people had faith in the government's policies and its development agenda. Congress district president Sanjay Jatav said the BJP government had lost people's confidence. He alleged that the government had failed to provide relief to residents affected by waterlogging. "People have decided to support Congress and help it form the board," he said. In Karauli Municipal Council, which has 55 wards, 15 wards have a significant Muslim voter presence, which observers noted as posing the Congress an advantage. Independent candidates are also expected to have a significant role in the overall contest....