Countdown for government formation in Rajasthan has begun. In less than 24 hours, the state is likely to get chief minister deputy chief ministers and speaker of the assembly as the meeting of legislative party is scheduled tomorrow.
According to sources, Kirodi Lal Meena, who garnered Meena votes for BJP this time resulting in a spectacular performance in eastern Rajasthan, is unlikely to become chief minister specially when Chhattisgarh getting its first tribal CM in Visnhu Deo Sai. Though he is likely to be rewarded for his hard work and commitment.
The party may make him deputy chief minister if it works on formula of appointing two deputy chief ministers as it did in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
“Meena fits the bill being a strong tribal face. The only thing is his seniority. If a person senior to Meena becomes CM, then there is not much reservation. But playing deputy to a junior in politics may not augur well for Meena,” said a senior BJP leader.
However, the post of speaker would be apt for Meena. If he becomes speaker he will be the second tribal speaker of Rajasthan assembly. First being Samarth Meena, five times MLA from Rajgarh, who had remained speaker for less than six months from July 24, 1998 to January 4, 1999.
“By making a tribal speaker, BJP will send a strong political message. Also, the party will be free to experiment with social engineering bringing a general caste CM and one OBC deputy CM and one SC deputy CM. Since in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the party has made two Brahmin deputy CM, in Rajasthan the candidate from general caste would be other than Brahmin,” said another senior BJP leader.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
