Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solved the riddle – who will be the face of BJP in Rajasthan elections? He reiterated that the election will be fought on Lotus symbol, the candidate is Lotus only.But in the course, he has left everyone puzzled over the role and future of former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who is fighting the battle of her existence in the party.
For Raje supporters who were considering return of Devi Singh Bhati as redemption of Raje's prominence in BJP, are now perplexed over the indifferent attitude of Prime Minister over Raje.
Modi has been continuously ignoring Raje's presence in rally. Neither he gave her a gaze nor he mentioned Raje government's achievements despite ‘Maharani' sitting next to him on both the occasions – Jaipur rally followed by Chittorgarh rally.
While BJP has clearly showcased its strategy of contesting election without CM face, it's difficult to read Raje's mind. She has been attending rallies, sitting idly next to PM, tolerating apathy and then returning back to home without any reaction.
“I think Raje is waiting for party to give her more reasons to react. Her mother was one of the founding members of the party. She has emotions attached with it. So she will not do anything against the party unless provoked to the hilt,” said Rameshwar Singh Khangarot, a political observer.
Party insiders say that ‘Dushyant' factor will play a big role in decision making of Raje. While she might be playing her last innings, her son Dushyant has a long way to go. The four time Member of Parliament of Jhalawar, which also constitute Raje's conscience Jhalrapatan, is largely dependent on Raje's charisma for victory.
“Raje can win elections from anywhere in the state. She doesn't need any symbol. But even Raje knows that her son will be needing symbol as well as her support to move upwards in his political career. Raje is playing it cautiously,” said a party insider.
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