The political landscape in Rajasthan remains charged with anticipation as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grapples with the decision over the state’s Chief Minister, prompting a “show of strength” as over 20 BJP MLAs convened with former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Raje, a national vice president of the BJP and a two-time Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has emerged as a prominent figure in the race for the CM’s post.
The meeting, interpreted as a demonstration of solidarity, comes amidst fervent speculation regarding potential candidates for the coveted position following the BJP’s return to power in Rajasthan, securing 115 seats in the recent assembly polls. Notably, the party refrained from nominating a CM candidate during the elections, fostering a climate of uncertainty and intense deliberations within party ranks.
While the legislators labeled their interaction with Raje as a courtesy meeting, they expressed unequivocal support for her candidacy if chosen by the party leadership. Nasirabad MLA Ramswaroop Lamba emphasized the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Raje’s contributions, underlining that the decision regarding the CM would rest with the party’s parliamentary board.
The gathering of over two dozen BJP MLAs at Raje’s Civil Lines residence signals a robust display of backing for her candidacy. Apart from Raje, other potential contenders include Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Arjun Meghwal, as well as party MPs Baba Balaknath and Diya Kumari, who emerged victorious in the assembly polls.
Sources indicate that BJP state in-charge Arun Singh and state unit president CP Joshi are in Delhi for discussions with the party high command, including meetings with party president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Meanwhile, Shekhawat and Balaknath are also in Delhi for parliamentary sessions.
Amidst this political flux, Raje’s tenure as Chief Minister in 2003-2008 and 2013-2018 remains a focal point, despite her diminished visibility within the party following the BJP’s 2018 defeat. However, with the BJP’s recent electoral triumph, her supporters are fervently advocating for her reinstatement as CM, anticipating a potential third term.
As the BJP navigates the intricacies of leadership selection, Rajasthan remains a focal point of political intrigue, with the spotlight firmly fixed on the BJP’s decision-making process and the evolving dynamics within the party hierarchy.
Sources By Agencies
