Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Bhajan Lal Sharma has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan, concluding the suspense surrounding the leadership following the BJP’s triumph in the recent State Assembly election. The official announcement took place at the BJP Legislature Party meeting in Jaipur, where the former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje proposed Sharma’s name, seconded by Kirodi Lal Meena and other senior leaders.
Two Deputy Chief Ministers:
Central observer and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that along with Bhajan Lal Sharma’s appointment, there would be two Deputy Chief Ministers — Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa. Diya Kumari, a BJP MP from Rajsamand and a member of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur, and Prem Chand Bairwa, a Dalit face in the BJP and winner of the Dudu constituency, were introduced as the deputies.
Profile of Diya Kumari:
Diya Kumari, a 51-year-old BJP leader and former princess, emerged as a frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post. Her electoral victories and association with various non-governmental organizations, including the Eye Bank Society of Rajasthan and Rays (an NGO working for HIV+ children), have marked her political and social contributions.
Profile of Prem Chand Bairwa:
Prem Chand Bairwa, a 54-year-old Ph.D. holder from the University of Rajasthan, won the Dudu constituency with a significant margin. His Dalit background adds diversity to the leadership team.
Additional Appointments:
Rajnath Singh also announced the appointment of Ajmer North MLA and former Minister Vasudev Devnani as the new Assembly Speaker.
Background of Bhajan Lal Sharma:
Bhajan Lal Sharma, hailing from Bharatpur district, served as the BJP State general secretary before securing victory in the Sanganer Assembly constituency in Jaipur district. As a first-time MLA, he defeated Congress candidate Pushpendra Bhardwaj in the recent elections.
With this leadership lineup, the BJP aims to steer Rajasthan towards progress and change. The dynamic team, comprising experienced leaders and fresh faces, is poised to address the challenges and aspirations of the state, marking a new chapter in Rajasthan’s political landscape.