The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to form a new government in Rajasthan, having emerged victorious in 115 of the 199 Assembly seats that went to polls in November. Since the declaration of the election results on December 3, there is anticipation among voters and leaders alike on whether the party’s central leadership will repose faith in two-term CM Vasundhara Raje or choose to go with a fresh face in the state.

The BJP did not declare its CM face during the election campaign and instead chose to contest the election with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its face. On Tuesday, the top BJP leadership including party president JP Nadda and Home minister Amit Shah met PM Modi at the latter’s residence to discuss the CM pick. The meeting went on for close to five hours.

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Among the BJP leaders, seven prominent figures are in contention for the post of Rajasthan Chief Minister.

  1. Vasundhara Raje: A two-time Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje is a prominent figure in the BJP. She led the party to victory in the state twice and emerged victorious from Jhalrapatan with 138,831 votes in the 2023 state assembly elections. With a political career dating back to 1984, she has served as an MLA, Lok Sabha member, and Union Minister. Raje made history as Rajasthan’s first female Chief Minister in 2003 and holds a substantial political background, having been elected to the state assembly thrice and five times to Lok Sabha.
  2. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Presently serving as the Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is a notable figure in BJP’s Rajasthan politics. He won as a Lok Sabha member from Jodhpur and gained attention by defeating Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s son in the 2019 general elections. He is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s role and was ranked third in a recent NDTV-CSDS Lokniti survey, following Vasundhara Raje and Baba Balaknath.
  3. Baba Balaknath: A sitting MP from Alwar, Baba Balaknath emerged victorious from the Tijara Assembly seat. He is seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post if Vasundhara Raje is not chosen. Known as the yogi of Rajasthan, he gained attention after being nominated by the BJP for the Rajasthan Assembly Election in 2023.
  4. Diya Kumari: Diya Kumari, who secured victory from Vidhyadhar Nagar with 158,516 votes, hails from the erstwhile Jaipur royal family. Joining the BJP in 2013, she has won three elections and was elected as an MP in the 2019 general elections with a substantial margin. Known for blending her royal heritage with a relatable persona, she gained popularity through developmental work in her constituency.
  5. Arjun Ram Meghwal: Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, known for his distinct turban, emphasizes the ideology of letting one’s work speak for itself. A potential contender for the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s position, he shares a strong rapport with PM Modi and is recognised as one of the prominent Dalit faces in the state. With a strong administrative background and significant parliamentary experience, he efficiently manages the Law Ministry.
  6. Kirodi Lal Meena: A BJP veteran, Kirodi Lal Meena secured victory with 81,087 votes in the Sawai Madhopur seat. Referred as “Doctor Sahab” and “Baba,” he played a crucial role in winning over the Meena community, contributing to the party’s success in Eastern Rajasthan. Considered among the front-runners for the Rajasthan Chief Minister post, his popularity and community outreach strengthen his candidacy.
  7. CP Joshi: Chandra Prakash Joshi, Rajasthan BJP’s state unit chief, stands as a formidable candidate for the Chief Minister’s position. Entrusted with the state unit’s leadership earlier in March, he successfully unified rival factions within the party and vocalised alleged anti-incumbency and Congress’s failures. A former NSUI member, Joshi secured a substantial victory in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, defeating Girija Vyas from the Congress.

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