Rajasthan BJP Chief Clarifies Non-Aspirations for Chief Minister Post

Addressing the media in Rajsamand on Friday, CP Joshi, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan, asserted that he is not vying for the position of Chief Minister in Rajasthan. Instead, he expressed his readiness to honor the individual assuming the role if the BJP secures victory in the state assembly elections. Joshi, speaking with confidence, stated that the BJP will form the government with a full majority on December 3.

“BJP will form the government in Rajasthan with full majority on December 3. I am not in the race for CM, but will garland the person who will become the CM of the state,” he declared.

Following the release of exit polls predicting a BJP victory and the ousting of Congress from power, Joshi asserted that the BJP is poised to win over 135 seats, while Congress is anticipated to secure fewer than 50 seats. The exit polls highlighted the competitive nature of the elections in Rajasthan, with varied predictions regarding the winner in the crucial state known for its tradition of not repeating an incumbent government.

Joshi acknowledged the potential influence of smaller parties and independents, referred to as “others,” in the government formation process when the results are disclosed on December 3. The Congress-led government, under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, implemented several populist schemes in the lead-up to the assembly elections to counter the BJP’s challenge.

Various exit polls presented differing outcomes, with some indicating a clear BJP victory and others suggesting a lead for the Congress in forming the next government in Rajasthan. The results will be eagerly awaited as they hold significance for both the BJP and Congress ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The assembly elections in Rajasthan took place on November 25, covering 199 out of 200 assembly seats.

Different exit polls provided varied seat projections:

• India Today-Axis My India: Congress 86-106 seats, BJP 80-100 seats, Others 9-18 seats.
• India TV-CNX: Congress 94-104 seats, BJP 80-90 seats, Others 14-18 seats.
• Times Now-ETG: Congress 56-72 seats, BJP 108-128 seats, Others 13-21 seats.
• Jan Ki Baat: BJP 100-122 seats, Congress 62-85 seats, Others 14-15 seats.
• P-Marq: BJP 105-125 seats, Congress 69-81 seats, Others 5-15 seats.

Counting for these elections, alongside four other states, is scheduled for December 3. The results hold significance for both the BJP and Congress as they serve as a precursor to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.