Rajasthan ex-CM Raje plans temple run as show of strength

Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje is planning to undertake a religious yatra in the Krishna Circuit in Bharatpur on her birthday on March 8, leading to speculation on whether this is an attempt to send a message to her detractors.

Raje’s supporters are busy arranging the high-profile event. Raje will begin her visit from the Adi Badri temple and then offer prayers at the GirirajJi and Govardhan ki Poonchri temples and also visit other temples en route. While no official programme has been declared yet and Raje has maintained silence, her supporters are actively preparing for her visit.

Raje’s supporters on social media too are active, posting messages such as “March me Vasundhara Rajeji ka toofani daura. Iss tsumnami se achhe achhe dharashahi ho jayenge. (Vasundhara Raje’s high-voltage tour from

March will knock out even the stalwarts)” and “Dhairya rakho, karm karo, jald hi sakaratmak parinam prapt honge (Be patient. Work hard. Soon you will see good results).”

Recently, former minister Yunus Khan, a close Raje aide, visited Bharatpur and met with other BJP workers in Bharatpur and discussed travel and other arrangements. Those present included former MLAs Anita Gurjar and Vijay Bansal and former MP Bahadur Singh Koli among others. All the leaders are considered close to Raje who is married into the Dholpur royal family.

Political commentators say Raje, who is upset with her sidelining in the state BJP, could use the opportunity as a show of strength.

Sources said state BJP president Satish Poonia was planning to change several leaders in the eastern belt for failing to strengthen the party at the grassroots. Worried they could be shunted out, the leaders are now urging Raje to be more proactive.

Raje recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi and is believed to have put up her grievances to him. Analysts say the party high command wants Raje, the BJP national vice president, to play a more active role in national politics and might even send her to Bengal as a strong woman face to counter CM Mamata Banerjee. However, Raje is reluctant to leave Rajasthan where she has been 2-time CM.

Rumours of a rift in the Rajasthan unit have been flying thick and fast since after the BJP’s defeat in the 2018 assembly poll. Raje’s influence in the BJP has been waning as a younger leadership emerges with the backing of Shah and PM Modi. Row erupted weeks ago when some Raje supporters floated the ‘Vasundhara Raje Samarthak Manch’ and appointed office bearers in 25 districts. There are other groups active on social media backing Raje.