Who Will Be The New Rajasthan CM? Find Out The Contenders As Exit Polls Favor BJP In 'Land Of Kings'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to retain power in Rajasthan, according to exit polls 2023, but the party is yet to decide on a chief ministerial candidate. If these predictions hold true, who will be the next Chief Minister? Several names are being considered, including Vasundhara Raje, CP Joshi, Baba Balaknath, Diya Kumari, and Mahant Pratap Puri Maharaj.

Vasundhara Raje

Vasundhara Raje's continued popularity in pre-poll surveys doesn't currently align with the BJP top brass's considerations, given her past treatment by the leadership. Raje's fate hinges on the seat count the party secures on December 3. A lower tally of around 95-100 seats could prompt serious reconsideration by the top brass, as ignoring a leader capable of influencing state voters might backfire in the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

CP Joshi

Another prominent name in contention is Chittorgarh MP and state party chief CP Joshi. With his clean image and Brahmin identity, Joshi could address the leadership void in the Mewar region, strategically pivotal for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Baba Balaknath

Baba Balaknath's emergence as a potential CM is also gaining traction, reminiscent of the Yogi Adityanath experiment in UP. His influence among Yadav voters across Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and UP could significantly impact the BJP's prospects in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Diya Kumari

Diya Kumari, a scion of Jaipur's erstwhile royal family, stands as another probable CM candidate. Her gender, youth, lack of political controversies, and demonstrated commitment to strengthen the party make her a favorable choice for Modi and Shah.

Mahant Swami Pratap Puri Maharaj

Amid these names, the unexpected rise of seer Mahant Swami Pratap Puri Maharaj from Rajasthan's Pokharan area also sparks interest. With the BJP opting not to endorse a specific CM candidate, the field remains open, fostering aspirations among several individuals eyeing the Chief Minister's chair.

However, until the swearing-in of the CM, uncertainty prevails. PM Modi and Shah's penchant for unconventional decisions has been a consistent trend since 2014, keeping both the party and the nation on their toes with surprise selections and strategies.