Rajasthan Cabinet Intrigue: Will Vasundhara’s camp find favour?

Bhajan Lal’s upcoming swearing-in as Rajasthan’s Chief Minister on December 15 has ignited speculation about the new cabinet. Political pundits are buzzing with potential formulas, and here’s a breakdown of the key factors in play:

1. RSS Influence: The appointment of Bhajan Lal, with his RSS ties, suggests a potential tilt towards RSS members in the cabinet. Expect to see their presence strengthened compared to previous administrations.

2. Caste Balancing Act: With Lok Sabha elections looming, the BJP will likely pay close attention to caste equations. The inclusion of representatives from various dominant castes is anticipated to appease diverse voter segments.

3. Vasundhara’s Shadow: The question of accommodating Vasundhara Raje’s supporters hangs in the air. Some predict their inclusion to quell any dissent, while others believe it might be avoided to prevent potential power struggles within the party.

4. Fresh Faces: Following Bhajan Lal’s rise, the BJP might inject new blood into the cabinet. Young, promising MLAs could be offered ministerial positions to invigorate the party’s image.

5. Ministerial Contenders: Names like Diya Kumari, Baba Balak Nath, and Kirori Lal Meena are in the mix for coveted portfolios like Home Minister, alongside seasoned veterans like Rajendra Rathod and Satish Poonia.

6. Religious Representation: Four religious gurus – Otram Dewasi, Mahant Balak Nath, Bal Mukund Acharya, and Mahant Pratap Puri – could find themselves within the new cabinet, highlighting the BJP’s emphasis on religious outreach.

7. Gender Focus: With an eye on female voters, the possibility of appointing three to four women ministers, including Anita Bhadel, Dipti Maheshwari, Noksham Chaudhary, and Siddhi Kumari, cannot be ruled out.

8. Cabinet Size: With Bhajan Lal and two Deputy CMs already confirmed, around 17 additional ministers are expected to be sworn in, bringing the total cabinet size close to 20.