New Delhi: The BJP in Rajasthan is in the news for all the wrong reasons. From corruption allegations to public spats with alliance partners, the party struggles to maintain cohesion.
Speaking in the assembly earlier this week, BJP MLA Ajay Singh Kilak—who represents Degana in Nagaur—alleged that police officers in Thanwala were colluding with illegal gravel mining mafias. He accused the police of inaction despite repeated complaints.
“Even after informing the SP and IG, action was taken only after a decoy operation caught four policemen red-handed,” Kilak stated, claiming systemic corruption. He later escalated the issue to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
In another incident, again on Monday, BJP chief whip Jageshwar Garg moved a privilege motion against RLD MLA Subhash Garg for “defaming the government”. The RLD is part of the ruling coalition.
Garg had highlighted alleged threats by Bharatpur officials to residents near Lohagarh Fort, favouring businessmen eyeing a Rs 26 crore land parcel. The Speaker referred the matter to the privilege committee, triggering protests by the Congress.
Action against MLAs raising public issues sets a dangerous precedent, the Congress argued.
Garg defended his stance, saying, “Truth will emerge once the committee investigates.” When contacted by ThePrint, he said: “A few people in my constituency complained about notices being issued by the administration. That is why I raised the issue.”
These are not isolated cases bringing embarrassment to the BJP in the state. More than a year later, agriculture minister Kirodi Lal Meena’s resignation remains unresolved. Meena also accused the state of tapping his phone—a claim denied by the Home Minister. The state government added to the tensions within the party by cancelling allotment of Meena’s ministerial bungalow.
The Congress got another opportunity to criticise the ruling government after it was reported that a prisoner serving a life sentence in Dausa’s Shyalawas Jail allegedly threatened the CM using a mobile phone smuggled into the facility. The jailor was suspended and replaced. The Congress seized the incident, questioning state security, asking that if criminals in jail can threaten the CM, who is safe in Rajasthan?
The budget session has also exposed poor floor management in the assembly with the Congress aggressively targeting the government. Speaker Vasudev Devnani broke down after Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra accused him of being biased.
“My dignity as Speaker has been shattered,” Devnani said tearfully, announcing stricter conduct rules. His emotional response stunned the House, underscoring rising tensions between the treasury and opposition benches.
Rajput leader Devi Singh Bhatti threatened a dharna over demands to transfer a police officer, while Gurjar leader Vijay Bainsala criticised the BJP for failing to withdraw cases linked to past agitations. “Gurjars supported BJP in elections but feel ignored,” Bainsala lamented.
A BJP leader said, “One of the major cause of resentment among public representatives is official apathy.
“Officials aligned with the previous Congress regime remain in place, frustrating party workers,” a BJP insider revealed. Additionally, infighting and weak coordination between the government and organisation have eroded the CM’s authority. Another former minister noted, “Continuous clashes, like Meena’s rebellion, undermine governance and embolden the Opposition.”
(Edited by Sudha V.)
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