The newly elected BJP MLAs in Rajasthan are scheduled to convene in Jaipur on Tuesday (December 12) to select the next chief minister of the state, news agency PTI reported citing party leaders. Monday saw the MLAs being notified about the legislative party meeting, where the central leadership of the BJP is expected to unveil its choice for the post, bringing an end to days of suspense following the assembly election victory.
Results from the polls held on November 25 in Rajasthan were officially declared on December 3. BJP MLA Jogeshwar Garg mentioned that the observers appointed for the legislative party meeting will arrive in Jaipur on Tuesday and engage in one-on-one discussions with the MLAs in the morning.
Following lunch, a formal meeting is scheduled to take place, during which the MLAs will democratically select the legislative party leader or the Chief Minister-designate, the report said.
The party has designated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Saroj Pandey, and Vinod Tawde as observers. MLA Kirodi Lal Meena confirmed that the MLAs have been informed about the legislature party meeting.
Responding to questions about the MLAs meeting with former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje at her home on Monday, Meena clarified that 17 MLAs have also met him after the election results, and this should not be perceived as lobbying, PTI reported.
In recent days, several MLAs have visited former CM Vasundhara Raje in what is viewed as a demonstration of support for her, amidst speculation regarding the central leadership's choice for the next CM.
Raje has also held discussions with party leaders in Delhi.
In the November elections, the BJP secured 115 seats out of 199, and polling in one constituency was postponed. Raje is considered one of the frontrunners for the post, alongside other leaders such as Union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Ashwini Vaishnaw.