Modi meets MPs from Rajasthan to fine tune electoral strategy

Prime minister Narendra Modi, who has been personally monitoring the BJP’s preparedness for the forthcoming assembly poll in Rajasthan, which are due in November/December this year, held a meeting with the Lok Sabha members from the desert state and discussed the electoral strategy.

Notable among those present at the meeting, which was held in Delhi recently, was former Rajasthan chief minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje Scindia, who was reportedly upset with the party leadership for not declaring her the CM face of the party in the poll.

Although Vasundhara is not an MP, her presence at the meeting added grist to the rumour mills and gave credence to the speculations that she might either be declared the CM face of the party or given some important responsibility.

According to the sources in the Rajasthan BJP, the party realised very well that Vasundhara needs to be placated as her absence or even indifference during the election campaigning could cost the party dear in the poll.

Even Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had once said that Vasundhara was the only BJP leader who could occupy the top post in the rest.

Presence of Vasundhara at the meeting assumes added political significance as the BJP knew that she was the only leader in the state BJP who had the capability to galvanize the party workers and amass crowds at the meetings.

‘’We must not do anything to annoy Vasundharaji….she is the most popular face of the party in the state…..only she can counter the Congress effectively,’’ said a state BJP leader here.

It is worth mentioning that Gehlot had recently admitted that his government was saved with the help of Vasundhara when senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot had rebelled a few years back.