Rajasthan is witnessing heightened political activity with discussions intensifying over the possible defection of Congress Working Committee member and senior MLA Mahendra Jeet Malviya, along with several other Congress leaders, to the BJP.
Senior BJP leaders in Delhi and Congress leaders in Jaipur are closely monitoring the situation. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, BJP State President CP Joshi, and other key figures have rushed to Delhi, where efforts are underway to woo Congress leaders to join the BJP.
Meanwhile, in Jaipur, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hosted a meeting with Banswara Congress MLAs Arjun Bamania, Ramila Khadiya, and Nanalal Ninama at his residence. AICC member Dinesh Khodnia also attended the meeting.
Gehlot engaged in extensive discussions about Malviya, probing the MLAs’ sentiments and seeking assurances of their loyalty to the Congress Party. The MLAs have affirmed their commitment to the Congress and pledged to strengthen the party.
BJP strategises to hold Cong leaders with strong grassroots support
In a strategic move, the BJP is actively pursuing Congress leaders who hold significant influence at the grassroots level, especially in regions where the BJP faced challenges in the previous elections.
The party is keen on attracting several former Congress ministers who faced defeat, anticipating that their transition to the BJP could tip the political scales in favour of the party. Notably, the BJP seeks to address its previous electoral setbacks in Dholpur and Bundi in East Rajasthan, where it failed to secure any seats during the assembly elections.
To rectify this, plans are underway to bring a former Congress minister from East Rajasthan into the BJP fold, leveraging their established connections with BJP leaders. The BJP is also engaged in discussions with Congress leaders in Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu, and Nahri areas as part of its broader strategy.
Malviya’s statement strongly indicates his impending BJP membership
In a statement to the media in New Delhi, Mahendra Jeet Singh Malviya took a clear swipe at the Congress, signalling a probable shift to the BJP. When asked about joining Congress, he cryptically responded, “Let’s see today.”
Criticising Congress, he remarked on the party’s current state in the country, highlighting his previous association with the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) in 2013 and as Leader of the Opposition.
Malviya expressed concerns about the current vision of Congress, stating that it has deviated from its earlier ideals for the nation and its people. His remarks strongly suggest a forthcoming move to join the BJP.
Would not have any consequence: Dotasra
In response to Malviya’s potential departure, Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasara downplayed its significance, stating that it doesn’t matter who leaves the party. He emphasised that the reasons behind such decisions and the pressures or motivations driving them will become clear with time.
Dotasara highlighted Malviya’s extensive political journey within Congress, including being an MP, a five-time MLA, his wife serving as a district chief, and his tenure as a cabinet minister in various departments. Dotasara expressed regret at the idea that someone who once embraced Congress as their ideological home is contemplating leaving at this stage in their life.
When I feel like going, I blame someone else: Jully
Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully responded, stating that if Malviya had expressed a desire to become the Leader of Opposition, he would have supported him earlier. Jully suggested that shifting blame to someone else when contemplating departure is a common approach.
Regarding his performance, Jully asserted that he is well aware of his responsibilities and achievements as the leader of the opposition. He expressed confidence that his party and the people of Rajasthan will provide true acknowledgement of his work.