The ongoing suspense surrounding the appointment of the Chief Minister in Rajasthan is expected to find resolution by Sunday, while a similar announcement for Madhya Pradesh may unfold on Monday. Reliable sources indicate that the BJP’s high command has engaged in extensive discussions with former Chief Ministers in all three states, culminating in the finalisation of the new Chief Minister names. The official declaration is poised to occur during the party’s legislative meeting. A team of observers is slated to arrive in all three states by Saturday to facilitate the constitutional process, which involves convening a meeting with legislators. The selection of the Chief Minister will be carried out through unanimous consent garnered from this legislative assembly gathering.
In Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, and Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh have been decided in confidence. The party is trying to ensure that any decision is taken only with the consent of the three leaders. No message should be sent that there is resentment among the leaders.
According to the sources, it is alleged that the consent of Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Raman Singh was secured prior to the elections. The party displayed full confidence in the anticipated victory in both states. However, in Rajasthan, the party executed a strategic approach by neither sidelining former Chief Minister Raje nor officially declaring her as its face. This nuanced strategy aimed at navigating the complexities of the political landscape in the state.
The party harboured concerns that the electoral contest in Rajasthan would be closely contested, with uncertainties surrounding the attainment of the magical majority figure. Contrary to these apprehensions, the party secured a comfortable victory in the state. Post this triumph, the party’s high command once again exercised its strategic decision-making to chart the course ahead.
Former Chief Minister Raje was summoned to Delhi and engaged in her initial discussions with BJP’s national president JP Nadda. Subsequently, she held a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah. Sources reveal that the high command has extended an offer to her, proposing the positions of either Speaker of the Assembly or a Cabinet Minister at the Centre. Raje’s primary concern revolves around her son, Dushyant Singh. In 2014, she sought to secure a ministerial position for Dushyant in the Centre, but the endeavour did not materialize. Presently, Raje continues to advocate for Dushyant’s consideration.
Nonetheless, insiders suggest that she remains a contender for the Chief Ministerial position. However, the decision will be made in the legislators’ meeting. It is also being speculated that if Raje agrees to come to Delhi, her son could be made a Cabinet Minister in the state government. In addition to this, in view of his amicable relations with Raje, it is possible that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has been appointed as an observer by the BJP high command.
The process of selecting the legislature party leader is expected to transpire through unanimous consent during the legislators’ meeting scheduled in Jaipur the day after tomorrow. Following this, the oath-taking ceremony date will be finalised.
Prior to heading to Jaipur, Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with party president Nadda, accompanied by party in-charge Pralhad Joshi and state president CP Joshi. It is speculated that the deliberations centred around the choice for the Chief Minister’s position.
In the context of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan continues to be a leading contender for the Chief Ministerial position. If a new face is considered, it is likely to align with Chouhan’s preference. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s name may emerge in this regard. The final decision for Madhya Pradesh may be announced a day later than Rajasthan, possibly on Monday. Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, tribal woman Renuka Singh is positioned as a frontrunner in the Chief Ministerial race.
As the political suspense unravels in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the intricate dance of power plays within the BJP unfolds. The strategic manoeuvres involving veteran leaders like Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Raman Singh reveal a delicate balancing act orchestrated by the party’s high command.
As observers converge on the political landscapes of these states, the coming days promise to showcase the final acts in this gripping political drama, determining the future course of governance in these regions.
