Summary

JAIPUR: In the midst of uncertainty over the BJPโ€™s CM candidate in Rajasthan, with several names surfacing as prominent contenders, Baba Balaknathโ€™s supporters made a boldโ€ฆ

JAIPUR: In the midst of uncertainty over the BJPโ€™s CM candidate in Rajasthan, with several names surfacing as prominent contenders, Baba Balaknathโ€™s supporters made a bold assertion: the saffron-clad monk will resign as a legislator if not chosen for the coveted Chief Ministerial role.

Speaking to The New Indian, Rama Shankar Ojha, head priest of the Hanuman Bagicha temple frequented by Balaknath, shed light on the monkโ€™s political journey. โ€œThe fight is not over yet, he has won his constituency, but the real battle is yet to come for the CM post. He has won in Tijara, but the true test lies in becoming the CM,โ€ he emphasised.

Addressing the political landscape, Balaknath expressed admiration for UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, referring to him as a โ€˜big brother.โ€™ Rama Shankar, talking about Adityanath, said, โ€UP CM Yogi Adityanath, is one of Balaknathโ€™s staunchest advocates.โ€

Expressing their desire to see him as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, the local community outside the Hanuman Bagicha temple displayed a digital board that read, โ€œTijaraโ€™s newly elected legislator and the future Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Mahant Baba Balaknath, welcomed by the Jain community.โ€ The prominent display underscores the widespread backing Balaknath enjoys among the residents, amplifying the anticipation for his potential elevation to the stateโ€™s top leadership position.

Ojha shared, โ€œHe has said that if not made CM, he will resignโ€, he further explained, โ€œI have been informed by his supporters that Baba Balanknath will resign from his post as an MLA if he is denied the CM seat as he has toiled hard for his people.โ€

At 39, Baba Balaknath is not just an aspirant for the CM post but also an MP from Alwar. Known as the โ€˜Yogi of Rajasthan,โ€™ he secured victory against Congressโ€™s Imran Khan by a significant margin of 6,173 votes. His popularity stems from his role as the head of the Baba Mastnath Math in Rohtak.

The state witnessed a voter turnout of 74.96 per cent, slightly higher than the previous elections. With BJPโ€™s triumph in Rajasthan, the focus now shifts to selecting the new Chief Minister. Balaknathโ€™s significant margin of victory in Tijara has catapulted him into the limelight.

As an ascetic draped in saffron, Baba Balaknath stands out as one of the BJPโ€™s firebrand leaders, known for his unyielding stance on the Hindutva agenda. His assertive image resonates strongly among the public.

The Bharatiya Janata Party ousted the Congress from power in Rajasthan, winning 115 out of 199 seats that had gone to polls in the desert state. After the saffron win, now the BJP has expedited its efforts to pick the new chief minister.