Union Home Minister Amit Shah to send strong message to leaders undermining BJP’s stability.
Jaipur:
Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will visit Jaipur on 17 July, a trip being seen as highly significant for Rajasthan’s political scene. Though officially tied to a cooperative ministry event, his visit comes amid rising internal rumblings in the BJP and attempts—both within and outside the party—to destabilize Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s government.
While the opposition Congress continues to mount aggressive criticism, it is dissent from within the BJP and its allies that is raising more concern. Some state leaders are reportedly creating an impression—particularly through social media and selected media channels—that CM Sharma is on shaky ground. The state party organization has struggled to counter this narrative effectively, with state president Madan Rathore seen as a weak defender of the government.
Despite this, the central leadership is neither displeased with Sharma nor planning any change. Sources say that Sharma has been keeping the central leadership, especially Shah, in the loop regarding all major decisions. Yet, negative optics persist.
Among those fuelling unrest is senior minister Kirori Lal Meena, whose public resignation threats and comments on phone tapping have repeatedly embarrassed the government. His recent raids on departments under his own ministry have again provided fodder to the opposition. Former CM Ashok Gehlot has seized on these internal conflicts to attack the BJP.
Hanuman Beniwal, an MP who once began his career with the BJP and later allied with it, is now again in opposition after a brief stint with the Congress during the 2024 elections. His anti CM posturing is being seen as an attempt to revive his diminishing political base, though it’s damaging the BJP in the process.
Meanwhile, former CM Vasundhara Raje has also grown more active. While she refrains from direct attacks, her subtle barbs and the actions of her supporters—such as chanting slogans for her return—are contributing to a perception of disunity. This has reignited speculation about CM Sharma’s position, even though there is no serious crisis at the moment.
The BJP high command is alert. Party strategists are aware of how internal rebellion—such as Sachin Pilot’s revolt—contributed to the downfall of the previous Congress government in Rajasthan. A repeat within the BJP is not an option. Shah’s visit, therefore, is expected to carry a firm message of unity and discipline.
Insiders suggest that Shah might also greenlight long pending political appointments and cabinet expansion during his Jaipur visit. These developments could give CM Sharma more administrative freedom and political strength at a crucial time.
Currently, the BJP’s top focus is on the election of the national party president, formation of the new national executive, and eventually the expansion of PM Modi’s cabinet. These changes are likely to take shape during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rajasthan, meanwhile, may witness shifts in the state power dynamics following Shah’s visit, which could serve as a course correction for internal dissenters.
