In a game of political chess, Rajasthan is poised for potential leadership changes as speculations mount about the appointment of a new Chief Minister as early as Tuesday. The oath-taking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for December 15, pending smooth proceedings. Drawing parallels with recent developments in Chhattisgarh, where Vishnu Deo Sai assumed the Chief Minister’s role, there is anticipation that an experienced and fresh face could emerge to lead Rajasthan if Vasundhara Raje doesn’t assume the position.
Currently, discussions revolve around potential Chief Ministerial candidates, including figures such as Om Mathur, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and CP Joshi. Bhupendra Yadav’s name has also surfaced in ongoing deliberations. Notably, these individuals are not Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). If the selection leans towards an MLA, prominent figures like former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Anita Bhadel, and Diya Kumari are in contention, reflecting the dynamic political landscape in Rajasthan.
Speculations also include the possibility of appointing two deputy chief ministers in Rajasthan, mirroring the arrangement in Chhattisgarh. Discussions extend to the potential appointment of former CM Raman Singh as the speaker, following a similar structure in Chhattisgarh. If Vasundhara Raje doesn’t become Chief Minister, there’s speculation about offering her the position of speaker, considering her expressed interest in securing a central-level role for her son.
The political landscape in Rajasthan appears to be undergoing potential changes, with the final decision expected to shape the state’s political trajectory in the coming days. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP is gearing up for a crucial meeting of the legislators’ group on Monday, signalling a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape. The meeting is anticipated to result in the announcement of a new Chief Minister, shaping the leadership dynamics and governance course in Madhya Pradesh.
In both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has maintained suspense over the Chief Ministerial posts since emerging as the single-largest party in the recent assembly polls. In Madhya Pradesh, there are indications that veteran Shivraj Singh Chouhan might be given another chance as Chief Minister, having held the post for 18 years. In Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje has the support of over 60 MLAs, urging the high command to name her as the Chief Minister.
Speculations suggest the possibility of a generational shift in at least one of the three states, with considerations for a woman or a tribal leader in Chhattisgarh. Renuka Singh’s name has emerged in discussions, potentially becoming the CM of Chhattisgarh. Selecting a CM face in Rajasthan is considered more challenging, given the resignations of three MPs and considerations for Union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and Ashwini Vaishnaw for the CM role.
In Madhya Pradesh, names in contention include former agriculture minister Narender Singh Tomar, former culture minister Prahlad Patel, and the Union civil aviation minister. Jyotiraditya Scindia, a key player for the party in the Gwalior-Chambal region, is also in the race. BJP senior leader Kailash Vijayvargiya hinted at the end of suspense and speculation over CM choices in the three states, emphasizing the party’s strategic approach.