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Rajasthan’s Political Arena

Welcome to Rajasthan Politics

Rajasthan Current CM: Bhajan Lal Sharma (BJP)

cm-15-1024x849 Rajasthan's Political Arena

Leader of Opposition: Tika Ram Jully (INC)

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Rashtriya Loktantrik Party: Hanuman Beniwal

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Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): Mayawati

maya Rajasthan's Political Arena

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM]: Amra Ram

amra Rajasthan's Political Arena

Bharat Adivasi Party: Mohanlal Roat

mohanlal Rajasthan's Political Arena

Rashtriya Lok Dal: Jayant Chaudhary

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History:

Sukhadia-Shekhawat Era:

Rajasthan’s political scene was dominated by Mohan Lal Sukhadia of the Indian National Congress and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sukhadia served as Chief Minister for 17 years until his death in 1982. Shekhawat, a key figure in the BJP, gained national prominence during his tenure.

Initially, the Congress party was dominant, with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the Swatantra Party as main opposition forces. In 1967, both opposition parties made significant gains but failed to form a government. The Congress won decisively in 1972, but Shekhawat’s popularity surged during the Emergency, leading to a Janata Party landslide in 1977, with Shekhawat becoming Chief Minister.

In 1980, the Janata Party government was dismissed, and Congress regained power in Rajasthan. Following Indira Gandhi’s assassination in 1984, Congress won in 1985. However, in 1989, Shekhawat’s BJP–JD alliance won a major victory, allowing him to serve a second term as Chief Minister. Despite losing support from the Janata Dal, Shekhawat retained power and was known for his effective governance.

After the Babri Mosque demolition in 1992, Shekhawat’s government was suspended, and President’s rule was imposed. In the 1993 elections, Shekhawat’s party won, and he served a successful third term, significantly developing Rajasthan. However, the BJP lost ground in 1998 due to rising onion prices.

Change in the Leadership:

Following the 1999 elections, Rajasthan’s political landscape underwent significant changes. The Indian National Congress saw the emergence of Ashok Gehlot, who, despite losing the 1999 Lok Sabha elections just six months after winning the assembly elections, successfully led the state for five years.

In contrast, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, who had been a dominant figure in Rajasthan politics, was appointed Vice-President of India in 2002, necessitating his departure from state politics and the BJP. He passed on the leadership to Vasundhara Raje, who led the BJP to victory in the 2003 elections.

Raje-Gehlot Era:

Vasundhara Raje served as Rajasthan’s Chief Minister from 2003 to 2008, with key ministers including Narpat Singh Rajvi (Health), Ghanshyam Tiwari (Food), Digamber Singh (Industries), and Gulab Chand Kataria (Home). During her tenure, the BJP also won the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. However, by December 2008, internal BJP conflicts, Raje’s controversial leadership, and issues like police excesses during the Gurjar-Meena agitation led to the Congress, supported by some independents, winning the elections. Ashok Gehlot was sworn in as Chief Minister.

In 2013, the BJP, under Raje, won a decisive victory with 163 seats out of 200, while the Congress secured only 21. Raje returned as Chief Minister. Yet, in 2018, the Congress reclaimed power with a significant majority, and Gehlot became Chief Minister for the third time. Gehlot, known for his political skill, earned the nickname “Jadugar” (magician) of Rajasthan politics.

The 2020 political drama saw Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, with 18 supporting MLAs, staging a protest against Gehlot’s government. The crisis, which included 30 MLAs relocating to a hotel in Haryana, was resolved when Gehlot secured support from independents and merged 6 BSP MLAs into Congress. Despite Gehlot’s efforts, controversies such as paper leak scams weakened his administration and became a focal point for opposition campaigns.

Establishment of Power Exchange as a Tradition:

In Rajasthan, the exchange of power between the BJP and Congress became known as “Riwaj” (tradition), with media and political slogans like “Raaj Badlega” (government will change) and “Riwaj Badlega” (the tradition will change) gaining popularity. However, the 2023 elections upheld this tradition for the sixth time, with the BJP securing 115 seats and a decisive victory.

This election marked a significant shift in Rajasthan politics, as the BJP appointed Bhajan Lal Sharma, a relatively unknown figure, as Chief Minister. This move was seen as an effort to move away from Vasundhara Raje and address internal party conflicts. The change signals a new era in Rajasthan politics, with the BJP embracing a new generation of leaders while the Congress continues to deliberate on its future leadership.

Lok Sabha:

  • 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1967: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1971: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1977: Janata Party (JP)
  • 1980: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1989: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Janata Dal (JD) Alliance
  • 1991: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1996: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1998: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 1999: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 2004: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 2009: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 2014: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 2019: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Rajya Sabha:

  • 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1967: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1972: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1978: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1990: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1996: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 2002: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 2008: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 2014: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
  • 2020: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Political Parties:

Political Disputes:

Rajasthan’s political history has been marked by several notable disputes. In the 1970s, internal strife within the Congress party and the rise of the Janata Party led to significant instability. In the 2000s, the BJP faced internal conflict during Vasundhara Raje’s tenure as Chief Minister, culminating in her replacement by Bhajan Lal Sharma in 2023 due to factionalism. The Gurjar-Meena agitation in 2007, which demanded reservations, led to police excesses and widespread unrest, affecting the BJP government’s standing. The 2020 political crisis further intensified when Sachin Pilot and 18 supporting MLAs rebelled against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, creating a dramatic showdown that Gehlot ultimately managed to navigate with support from independents and the merger of BSP MLAs. Additionally, allegations of paper leak scandals under the Gehlot administration became a contentious issue, drawing criticism and impacting the government’s public perception. These events underscore the often turbulent nature of Rajasthan’s political scene.