Visible panic has set in among bureaucrats and officers in Rajasthan since Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed Bhajan Lal Sharma as the chief minister. Some are eager to safeguard their prized postings, while others seek prominent positions, with many camping in Delhi, lobbying with their political patrons.
PM Modi had stated during the campaign that “corrupt” officials would not be spared, making corruption and law and order the main issues in the BJP’s election agenda. PM Modi consistently targeted the Congress, referencing the “Red Diary” and “Paper Leak.” The CM-elect, Bhajan Lal Sharma, and some ministers are scheduled to take the oath of office on Friday at Albert Hall in a grand swearing-in ceremony. PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and BJP-ruled state CMs will attend the function.
The state government will swing into action soon after the swearing-in ceremony. Officers who were over-privileged and enjoyed substantial perks for years were initially assured that the same government would return to power. However, the BJP replaced the Congress government, creating panic among these officers since PM Modi selected first-time MLA Bhajan Lal Sharma as CM. The message is clear that the new government will bring about changes. Control will be with the PMO and upright and honest officers will be appointed to prime positions.
Indications suggest that a fresh probe will be initiated into corruption cases, with files of officers under investigation examined by the ED and IT. The new government is expected to order an investigation into the Red Diary case and decisions on economic matters may be reviewed. Law and order will be a priority for the new government, and stern action will be taken against criminals, possibly following the model in UP. The government will address the rise in incidents of extortion, rapes, loot, and land-grabbing cases in Rajasthan. Land encroachment in and around Jaipur, a flourishing business under the previous government, will be tackled. The new regime will gradually wind up the welfare schemes of the previous government and work with an eye on the BJP’s interests in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
