The political landscape within the Rajasthan BJP is abuzz with speculation following a series of high-profile meetings involving PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and current CM Bhajanlal Sharma. These meetings, held within a week, have fueled speculation about likely changes in the state party’s leadership and direction.
Vasundhara’s Meeting with PM Modi
On December 20, Vasundhara Raje met with PM Narendra Modi at the Parliament House in Delhi. This was her second meeting with Modi in just three days, after a previous meeting on December 17 during a program in Rajasthan.
The Delhi meeting lasted about 20 minutes. It was Raje’s first major interaction with the Prime Minister since the Lok Sabha elections. This has sparked speculation about her increasing influence within the party. Adding to the intrigue, Rajasthan BJP in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal greeted Raje after she shared photos of her meeting with Modi, further amplifying discussions about her potential role in Rajasthan BJP’s future.
CM Sharma Calls On Shah and Raje
Four days later, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited Delhi to meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following this meeting, Sharma also met Vasundhara Raje and several senior Rajasthan leaders before returning to Jaipur.
These back-to-back discussions prompted Sharma to cancel a planned state cabinet meeting, further heightening speculation. Reports suggest that political appointments and cabinet reshuffles might be on the horizon, with Sharma likely considering new alliances to strengthen his position within the party.
JP Nadda’s Visit Postponed
Adding to the political activity, BJP National President JP Nadda’s visit to Jaipur, initially scheduled for December 21, has been postponed to early 2024. Nadda’s visit is expected to provide clarity on the state party’s direction and address the ongoing speculation about cabinet expansion and leadership changes.
Cabinet Expansion and Political Appointments
The Rajasthan BJP government, led by CM Bhajanlal Sharma, has completed one year in office. Currently, there are 23 ministers in the state cabinet, though the assembly allows for a maximum of 30. With murmurs of a cabinet expansion gaining traction, insiders suggest that MLAs loyal to Vasundhara Raje could secure prominent roles, owing to their influence and BJP’s performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where the party secured 14 seats in the state.
Simultaneously, discussions about appointments to various boards and corporations, pending for the past year, have also intensified. These appointments are seen as strategic moves to consolidate support across different factions within the party.
Vasundhara Raje’s Possible Comeback
Speculations about Vasundhara Raje’s return to a significant leadership role have gained momentum. BJP National General Secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal’s congratulatory remarks on Raje’s meeting with Modi have fueled discussions of her resurgence.
Despite being sidelined for the CM position after the BJP’s victory in the 2023 assembly elections, Raje remains a prominent figure in Rajasthan politics. Currently serving as the BJP’s National Vice President, her increasing visibility in these high-profile meetings suggests that she may be positioning herself for a comeback.
What’s Cooking in Rajasthan BJP?
The sequence of meetings and political activity indicates a brewing shift within the Rajasthan BJP. The party seems to be recalibrating its strategy following the Lok Sabha elections, with potential reshuffles in the state cabinet and key political appointments.
Observers believe these changes could mark the beginning of a more prominent role for Vasundhara Raje in state politics. Meanwhile, CM Bhajanlal Sharma is likely striving to maintain his hold over the party amid these evolving dynamics.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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