The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in a peculiar situation as the political scene in India prepares for the impending assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. The party is tasked with managing three former Chief Ministers in these crucial states as it works to establish its position before the elections. In this article, we examine the difficulties the BJP confronts in dealing with these well-known figures and how those difficulties might affect the party’s electoral prospects.
The Front Lines of the Election
These three states’ assembly elections, along with Telangana and Mizoram, are extremely significant because they are frequently regarded as the semifinals leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In addition to beginning Jan Ashirwad Yatras in Madhya Pradesh, Parivartan Yatra in Rajasthan, and actively participating in political activities in Chhattisgarh, the BJP, which is well known for its aggressive campaigning, has done so. Leading BJP figures have been touring these states more frequently in an effort to strengthen the party’s standing and build electoral momentum.
Managing Three Former Chief Ministers: A Challenge
The administration of three former Chief Ministers presents a special challenge for the party, even if the outcome of the elections will ultimately determine the BJP’s performance in these states.
Unhappiness of Uma Bharti
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Uma Bharti voiced her discontent with the party leadership. She vocally berated the party for excluding her from the Jan Ashirwad Yatra launch party. Uma Bharti, a prominent BJP politician, reminded the group of her earlier accomplishments, including bringing the party to victory in the 2003 elections in Madhya Pradesh. She was only in office for a short time, though, due to legal complications, and she progressively lost her prominence within the party.
It’s possible that Uma Bharti’s recent unhappiness isn’t just related to the Jan Ashirwad Yatra but also reflects her desire to reclaim an active political position. She is not eligible to be nominated by the BJP because she is over 75 at the age of 64. Uma Bharti appears to be utilizing political pressure techniques to win her ticket even before the Madhya Pradesh polls based on her public pronouncements and plans to run in the 2024 elections.
Raman Singh’s Absence
Dr. Raman Singh, Chhattisgarh’s three-time former chief minister, has been noticeably inactive. His first tenure was hampered by allegations of corruption, which negatively impacted the party’s performance in the 2018 elections. Instead of supporting a single Chief Ministerial candidate in Chhattisgarh, it appears that the BJP is now choosing to take a collective leadership strategy. The role and influence of Dr. Raman Singh within the party are put into doubt by this tactical change.
The Battle of Vasundhara Raje
Vasundhara Raje, a senior BJP leader in Rajasthan, has been battling to reclaim her former stature. Internal conflicts with the state BJP and her absence from party posters have hindered her return to active politics. The BJP’s reluctance to declare her as the Chief Ministerial face reveals a shift toward group leadership and reliance on Prime Minister Modi’s popularity.
Vasundhara Raje still has a big impact, particularly in the roughly 60 assembly seats where she is directly felt. She appeals to women from all walks of life and crosses caste and community boundaries, making her a popular pick. The party is aware of the dangers involved in upsetting Vasundhara Raje considering her prominence in Rajasthani politics.
The BJP’s dilemma
The BJP is forced to strike a careful balance, unable to completely rely on or disregard these previous chief ministers. Each leader embodies a distinct set of difficulties and possibilities for the party. While Raman Singh’s position is still unclear and Vasundhara Raje’s influence cannot be disregarded, Uma Bharti is seeking a comeback to active politics.
