BJP Rajasthan Decides: Leadership Beyond Faces in 2023 Election

In a significant political move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the forthcoming December assembly elections in Rajasthan, made it clear that the party won’t be promoting any specific individual as a Chief Ministerial candidate. Instead, during his speech on Monday, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the party over individuals, symbolically referencing the ‘Lotus’ – the emblematic election symbol of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He emphasized that in these elections, the ‘Lotus’ is the sole face representing the party’s values, ideals, and visions for Rajasthan. By stating that the Lotus “should be in bloom”, PM Modi was subtly conveying the message that voters should focus on the party’s collective identity and broader mission rather than getting swayed by individual personalities. This strategy seems designed to unify party supporters, minimize internal competition, and present a cohesive front to voters. By sidelining the projection of any chief ministerial face, the BJP intends to drive the narrative of collective leadership, reinforcing the party’s strength as a united entity rather than relying on individual charisma. The move also underscores the Prime Minister’s influence in state-level decisions, highlighting a centralized approach to electoral strategies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphatically directed the focus towards the BJP’s emblem, the Lotus, as the central figure in the upcoming elections. He stressed that the Lotus is the only face and hope for the party in this election. Modi urged BJP workers to rally together with unity, emphasizing that their combined efforts should be concentrated on ensuring the victory of the ‘Lotus’. His statements came after a visit to the revered Sanwaria Seth Temple near Chittorgarh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his poll campaign, highlighted the contributions of the State BJP President, C P Joshi, praising him for developmental works amounting to Rs. 7000 crore. Modi contrasted this with the Congress-led administration of the past five years, criticizing it for undermining Rajasthan’s rich heritage and reputation. According to Modi, while Rajasthan’s culture traditionally took pride in its illustrious past, the recent Congress governance negatively impacted the state’s credibility and failed to uphold its esteemed legacy. Assuring the public of a transparent government if voted to power, Modi said, “Those who have looted money, committed corruption and harassed the poor, action will definitely be taken against them. No matter how much these people abuse Modi, strict action against corruption will continue”. He made a big assurance, “If the government is formed, every poor person in Rajasthan will be given a permanent roof and a tap connection will be provided to every house”.

Referring to the tragic incident of Kanahiya Lal’s beheading in Udaipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the increasing crime rates in Rajasthan. He poignantly highlighted that the state, once revered for its rich heritage, now tops the charts in criminal activities. Emphasizing the decline in law and order, he pointed out issues like anarchy, riots, and stone-pelting that marred the state’s reputation. Modi further lamented the disturbing rise in atrocities against women and Dalits, signifying a societal degradation and a pressing concern for Rajasthan’s leadership and citizens.

Quoting the women atrocity cases of Barmer, Jamwaramgarh, Bhilwara, etc, Modi said now the women in Rajasthan wanted to bring BJP for the best of their security and Modi would guarantee it.