Poll results to decide fate of key stalwarts
JAIPUR: As the dust settles on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape in Rajasthan is poised for significant shifts. Experts and senior leaders within both Congress and BJP concur that the absence of Vasundhara Raje was a substantial setback for the BJP. Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is expected to encounter formidable challenges in the coming months. Meanwhile, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra is anticipated to see a rise in his influence, and Ashok Gehlot is likely to be integrated into the central organisation of the Congress.
The results of the Lok Sabha elections revealed a significant shift in Rajasthan’s political landscape. The BJP fell short of achieving a hat-trick of 25 seats, while the Congress mounted a formidable challenge for the first time in three elections. Of the 25 seats, the BJP won 14 and the Congress secured 11, including three by their alliance.
The stakes were high for six prominent leaders: chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma, former CMs Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot, former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, BJP state president CP Joshi, and state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara.
For over 25 years, Rajasthan’s politics have revolved around Gehlot and Raje. In contrast, Pilot, Dotasara, and Joshi have emerged as influential figures in the last one-and-a-half to two decades, shaping the state’s contemporary political scene. CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s meteoric rise is particularly noteworthy; having been elected MLA just six months ago, he quickly ascended to the state’s highest office.
A senior BJP leader said the performance of the CM and the state party chief is under scrutiny. There is a lack of connection with the masses and party members, which was evident among the state leaders. “The BJP suffered a jolt, and the seats we managed to safeguard were because of the OBC vote bank,” he said. “Raje will soon be given some important responsibility, and discussions for the same have started,” he hinted.
Former CM Vasundhara Raje has been sidelined from the party mainstream recently, and despite her son Dushyant Singh’s repeated electoral successes, he has not been given a ministerial role. The recent election results might prompt the BJP to reconsider her role, possibly appointing her to a constitutional post or her son to the Union Cabinet.
Regarding the state political scenario, a senior Congress leader and former minister, on condition of anonymity, said Dotasara has proven his mettle in the bypolls (Karanpur assembly), the assembly polls, and now the Lok Sabha polls – his continuation as state chief is certain. He said Pilot is already working for the central organisation, and Gehlot is also likely to be utilized there due to his experience and seniority.
Political analyst Narayan Bareth said: “This election has sent a message to political leaders in the country that senior leaders shouldn’t be sidelined and their experienced leadership should be utilized. Now, whether it’s Raje or Gehlot, the party leadership of both BJP and Congress would not take the risk of sidelining them,” he said.
Bareth continued, stating that the BJP faced damage this election for sidelining Raje.
Senior journalist Manish Godha opined that the coming time will be difficult for the Rajasthan CM, as he will face internal party politics and challenges from senior leaders. He said that Dotasara has proven his mettle and he will become the favourite of the high command.