Saini named new BJP prez of Rajasthan

Shah’s choice of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat found stiff resistance from CM

After 74 days of bitter tussle with party president Amit Shah, Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje had the last laugh as she finally got the man of her choice as new state BJP president.

A week before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Jaipur, the BJP central leadership bowed down before her wishes and agreed to the name of Rajya Sabha MP Madan Lal Saini, who was among the list of names suggested by her.

Due to differences between party president Amit Shah and chief minister Vasundhara Raje the post was lying vacant since outgoing chief

◗ Due to differences between party president Amit Shah and chief minister Vasundhara Raje the post was lying vacant since outgoing chief Ashok Parnami resigned on April 18

Ashok Parnami resigned on April 18.

The party president Amit Shah’s choice union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat found stiff resistance from the CM who argued that it would upset influential Jat community.

From her side, Mrs. Raje had suggested many names ostensibly they were her loyalists but Mr. Shah put his foot down just as she had thwarted his choice. Her own first preference was urban development minister Srichand Kriplani followed by social justice and empowerment minister and former state president Arun Chaturvedi and former minister Laxminarayan Dave while she had floated Mr. Saini’s name as compromise candidate. Among other names ding the rounds were Rajya Sabha MP Bhupendra Yadav and Dr. Kirori Lal Meena.

Ms Raje had sent her loyalists to lobby to convince the party leadership to accept her choice. She held a one- to- one meeting with Mr. Shah that failed to yield any result. In a last ditched attempt to form a consensus on the new state president, Mr. Shah had called a meeting of senior leaders from the state in New Delhi two weeks ago. However, nothing came out of it immediately. But, ahead of the PM’s Jaipur rally next week, Mr. Shah reached the middle ground to accept a relatively neutral candidate in form of Mr. Saini.

Known for his simplicity, Mr. Saini was surprise choice for Rajya Sabha in March this year. Also, like Mr. Shekhawat, he too is seen as the perfect example of a leader who has risen from the ranks. “He is rooted to the ground and comes to the party office in public transport.”

He is connected with grass root party workers and they will definitely be elated with his appointment,” said a senior party functionary.