In a significant development impacting the political landscape of Rajasthan, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, a seasoned four-time MLA and former minister representing Bagidora in Banswara district, officially severed ties with the Congress party and embraced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday.
Malviya's decision to join the BJP marks a noteworthy setback for the Congress in the state, particularly in the Vagad region, which encompasses the tribal districts of Banswara and Dungarpur in southern Rajasthan.
Expressing his rationale for joining the BJP, Malviya emphasized his commitment to the development of the Vagad region. His move underscores the strategic significance of aligning with the BJP to advance the developmental agenda in this tribal belt.
Amidst a ceremonial welcome at the BJP office in Jaipur, Malviya was greeted by prominent party leaders, including Rajasthan in-charge Arun Singh, state unit chief CP Joshi, and other dignitaries.
Malviya revealed that his decision to switch parties was influenced by his recent interactions with top BJP leadership, including party chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Delhi. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's compelling address at the BJP's national convention as a pivotal factor in his decision-making process.
Expressing his sentiments at a press conference held at the BJP office, Malviya voiced his disappointment with the Congress, particularly regarding its absence at the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the BJP, citing the party's proven track record and Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership.
CP Joshi highlighted Malviya's admiration for the policies and initiatives undertaken by the Modi government, which played a decisive role in his defection to the BJP.
Malviya's political journey spans over a decade, with significant contributions as an MLA since 2008. He has served as a Cabinet minister during two tenures, from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, he has a parliamentary stint to his credit, having been elected to the Lok Sabha on a Congress ticket from Banswara in 1998.
