Amit Shah, Vasundhara Raje standoff over state chief appointment

Jaipur: As the decision on naming a new state president for the BJP in Rajasthan lingers on, the reputation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of being “strict and tough” leaders is at risk. So far, they have ruled the government and the party with an iron fist.

However, they seemed to have found a match in Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who also enjoys the reputation of being strong headed. By opposing and stalling appointment of outgoing president Ashok Parnami’s successor, she has done the unthinkable.

It has been nearly two months that Mr Shah has not been able to find a replacement for Mr Parnami, who was a known Raje loyalist. Every name suggested by Mr Shah was rejected by Ms Raje and vice versa.

For the first time in four years, the BJP leadership has witnessed hectic lobbying and show of strength for an appointment. Otherwise, whatever decision taken by Mr Shah was non-negotiable.

With Ms Raje managing to do just that, there is a buzz in political circles here, especially within the party, of history repeating itself. Five years ago, Ms Raje had done the same thing. First, she had forced the BJP central leadership to appoint her the Leader of the Opposition. Then again, arm-twisted it to appoint her state president as well and the CM face.

The question is whether Mr Modi and Mr Shah would yield to her tactics at the risk of being seen as vulnerable to pressure.

On the other hand, hurting a strong and popular regional satrap like Ms Raje ahead of the crucial Assembly polls may also have serious consequences.