The senior leader of the BJP, Rajendra Rathore, seems to be contemplating a well-thought-out political move by refusing to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Despite appearing active after losing the assembly elections, the indications for the future do not seem very promising.
There are two or three reasons for this. First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focusing on preparing a new and youthful BJP. It started with the selection of Chief Ministers and the cabinet formed with them. More new changes will be seen in the Lok Sabha elections. Rathore has realized that opportunities are now limited in such a scenario.
Secondly, if viewed according to caste, the BJP has prepared many Rajput leaders, which will add to the challenges in his political future.
The BJP is short on Jat leaders, and secondly, there are few from the Meena community. Kirori Meena has certainly been made the third minister in Bhajan Lal Sharma’s team, but his supporters are not happy.
The BJP currently faces the biggest deficiency concerning the Jat community based on caste. In states like Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Jats play a crucial role in some constituencies. Although caste politics may not have a significant impact currently due to the Ram Temple issue, it may still influence a few seats. In such a case, the BJP might face difficulties. Therefore, it is more likely that the BJP will focus on other castes, leaving aside the Alakmaan Rajputs.
Rathore may have already understood that future politics will be challenging. Therefore, he has already decided not to contest the elections. Some insiders say that Rathore losing the election was in his interest because, with the way the high command is preparing a new BJP in the state, he might not have even found a place in Bhajan Lal Sharma’s cabinet. Many senior leaders who won the election and aspired for ministerial positions are now seen on the sidelines. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and many senior leaders who were ministers in her government have now limited alternatives.
Raje has understood that the high command’s negligence cannot be overlooked in these changed circumstances, so she has started focusing on the Lok Sabha elections. Perhaps the high command does not want to send the wrong message by side-lining Raje at the moment. However, the future of other leaders will be decided by the elections for the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
The Rajya Sabha election is scheduled for this month of February. BJP has decided on two seats. It remains to be seen which two new faces the leaders will send to the upper house. After that, the Lok Sabha elections will take place in April.
Most of the new faces are expected to be fielded on 25 seats in the state this time. Except for two or four existing MPs, there is a risk of ticket cutting for the rest.
Rathore, when lost the assembly elections, has been speculated to be given an opportunity in the Lok Sabha since then. He is considered a rival to Raje.
Due to this, the high command could give a ticket to him. However, the current situation does not show promising possibilities. However, he will make an effort for the Rajya Sabha as well.