Rajasthan: Shekhawat meets Raje, signals 'patch-up' before Modi's Jaipur rally
Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reportedly visited former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at her residence on Sunday, hours ahead of PM Narendra Modi's Jaipur visit. Shekhawat's visit, believed to be a courtesy call, seemingly signals a reconciliation between the rival BJP leaders, as well as Raje's support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) campaign. PM Modi is set to address the party's Parivartan Sankalp Mahasabha in Jaipur, marking the culmination of its Parivartan Yatras ahead of the assembly elections.
Why does this story matter?
Differences between Raje and Shekhawat arose after the former opposed to Shekhawat's selection as the head of the BJP's Rajasthan unit in 2018. She then argued that Shekhawat's leadership would enrage the Jaat community in the state and convey the wrong message. Following her objection, the post was given to the late Madan Lal Saini, a former Rajya Sabha MP from the Mali community. Later, Satish Poonia and CP Joshi (the incumbent) took over after him.
BJP's attempts to project united face ahead of assembly polls
The meeting between Raje and Shekhawat was viewed as part of the BJP's efforts to present a united front in Rajasthan as it launched the election campaign. According to reports, Raje has been ignored by the party since her election loss in 2018. She hasn't been a frequent participant at party meetings lately and has seldom been spotted attending BJP events. However, the former chief minister attended the BJP's core committee meeting on Sunday at the state office in Jaipur.
Raje, Shekhawat participate in BJP core committee meeting
BJP's marathon poll campaign launch for Rajasthan elections
On Monday afternoon, PM Modi is scheduled to address the Parivartan Sankalp Mahasabha in Jaipur, officially launching the BJP's marathon campaign in the state for the upcoming state elections. The event follows the party's four-phase Parivartan Yatras, which covered all 200 assembly constituencies in Rajasthan to build momentum before polls, per NDTV. With Raje and Shekhawat's support and the prime minister's involvement, the BJP aims to make a strong impact in the state elections to unseat the ruling Congress.
