BJP expected to select MP, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh CMs by Monday, wants swearing-in before inauspicious 'Malmas'

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• Dec 9, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The chief ministerial candidates for these states are expected to be unveiled by Monday, with the swearing-in ceremonies targeted to...

Digital Desk: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced central observers for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where the party recently secured victory in the elections. Party sources reveal that the observers will be on the ground by Saturday, signaling a rapid pace in the process. The chief ministerial candidates for these states are expected to be unveiled by Monday, with the swearing-in ceremonies targeted to conclude by December 15.

The urgency within the BJP is attributed to the looming inauspicious period of Malmas or Kharmas starting from December 16. This period is considered unfavorable for auspicious activities, and the BJP is keen on completing the government formation process before this date. If the deadline is missed, the party would have to wait until January 15 when the inauspicious period concludes.

The BJP has called a legislature party meeting on Monday in Bhopal at 4 pm. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Dr. K Laxman, and Asha Lakra will oversee the process of electing the leader of the legislature party. Sources suggest that the Chief Minister designate for Madhya Pradesh could be announced on Monday itself. Notably, the BJP did not campaign with the incumbent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's face but secured a massive mandate of 163 seats out of 199 in the state.

Meanwhile, a photo featuring former Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel with Chouhan is gaining traction on social media, sparking speculation and discussions among political circles.

In Chhattisgarh, the BJP has scheduled the legislature party meeting for Sunday. Union Ministers Arjun Munda, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Dushyant Kumar Gautam will oversee the process of selecting the leader of the legislature party. There is widespread speculation that Dr. Raman Singh, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, may not be repeated. The BJP is reportedly inclined towards an OBC or tribal face for the chief ministerial position.

In Rajasthan, the BJP is facing a potentially challenging situation, prompting the party to send Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the observer. Accompanied by Saroj Pandey and Vinod Tawde, Singh's presence underscores the complexity of the state's political landscape. With no legislature party meeting convened yet, Singh's role as a seasoned troubleshooter will be crucial, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the incumbent leader Vasundhara Raje.

Raje, who met party president JP Nadda along with her son in Delhi, has shown reluctance to relinquish the top position if someone else is chosen. The situation is further complicated by allegations that BJP MLA Lalit Meena and five others were kept at a resort by Raje's son Dushyant Singh. The chief ministerial names for all three states are expected to be disclosed by Monday, and the BJP aims for an immediate swearing-in ceremony, navigating the intricate political landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.