Rajasthan Congress Questions Lack of BJP CM Face

New Delhi: The Congress unit in Rajasthan has launched an attack against the BJP, highlighting the absence of a clear Chief Ministerial candidate. Taking a satirical stance, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of the Congress pointed out that former CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia remains in the background, while other faces are being projected. He remarked that those claiming to be potential BJP CM candidates lack the necessary credentials, leading to the projection of PM Narendra Modi's face in a state election. Gehlot further questioned the absence of Vasundhara Raje Scindia during protests against the state government.

Internal sources within the party suggest that the multitude of potential chief minister candidates within the BJP could create turmoil for the party. The Congress sees an opportunity to exploit this situation by raising questions about the BJP's CM candidate. Various Congress leaders in the state have openly enquired about the BJP's choice for CM, whether it be Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, or former minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Among these contenders, Vasundhara Raje Scindia holds the most experience and is recognised as a statewide leader within the BJP. However, with multiple aspirants vying for the position, the BJP might face challenges.

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been active in recent months, introducing several state-level schemes to secure his hold on power. In response to criticism from his former Cabinet colleague Rajendra Godha, Gehlot has intensified his attack on the BJP. This new offensive focuses on the BJP's lack of a clear CM candidate. Insiders believe that the Congress perceives significant internal strife within the BJP and aims to expose this to the public.

Interestingly, the Congress has experienced a respite as Ashok Gehlot and his former rival, former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, have temporarily put their differences aside until the state Assembly elections scheduled for last year. This development has boosted the confidence of Congress cadres in the state. Gehlot's current term has been marked by tumultuous power struggles with his party colleague Sachin Pilot.