A crucial session of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary board is scheduled for Thursday, likely to culminate in the selection of new chief ministers for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
The high-level BJP conclave comes on the heels of the party’s recent triumph in the assembly elections of the Hindi heartland states on December 3. With the BJP’s victory unseating the Congress from power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, and successfully overcoming anti-incumbency to retain power in Madhya Pradesh, the significance of these states, contributing a total of 65 MPs to the Lok Sabha, cannot be overstated. The electoral success stands as a significant morale booster for the BJP ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha election.
The high-level BJP conclave comes on the heels of the party’s recent triumph in the assembly elections of the Hindi heartland states on December 3. With the BJP’s victory unseating the Congress from power in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, and successfully overcoming anti-incumbency to retain power in Madhya Pradesh, the significance of these states, contributing a total of 65 MPs to the Lok Sabha, cannot be overstated. The electoral success stands as a significant morale booster for the BJP ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier today, 10 BJP MPs, including two Union ministers who emerged victorious in the assembly elections, resigned from the Lok Sabha. Their resignations were tendered subsequent to meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief JP Nadda. Madhya Pradesh witnessed a sweeping victory for the BJP, securing 163 out of 230 seats. As speculation brews regarding the next chief minister, incumbent CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarified his position on Tuesday, asserting he never vied for the CM post. “I was never a contender for the CM’s position, neither in the past nor now. I am solely a party worker and will fulfill any responsibility or duty the party entrusts me with,” he stated. Key BJP figures like Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel, and the party’s national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya have emerged as potential candidates for the top post.
In Rajasthan, the BJP’s victory, securing 115 out of 199 contested seats, has spurred intense deliberations in Jaipur and Delhi for the selection of the new chief minister. Notable party members such as two-time CM Vasundhara Raje, Diya Kumari, Mahant Balak Nath, and Rajyavarardhan Singh Rathore are prominent contenders for the role. Chhattisgarh, which witnessed a Congress sweep five years ago, experienced a turnaround in this election as the BJP secured 54 out of 90 seats, relegating the grand old party to 35 seats. Various names, including Raman Singh, Arun Sao, OP Chaudhary, and Gomti Sai, are being considered for the top leadership position in the state.
