Suspense Remains Over Rajasthan Senior Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena's Resignation

The suspense surrounding the resignation of Dr. Kirori Lal Meena, Rajasthan’s senior-most minister and Minister of Agriculture and Disaster Relief in the Bhajan Lal government, remains unresolved. On August 15, Meena performed the flag-hoisting ceremony at the district headquarters of Sawai Madhopur. Following severe flooding in eastern Rajasthan and other parts of the state due to heavy rains, opposition leaders repeatedly questioned the whereabouts of the state’s disaster relief minister during such critical times. Although Meena had shown some activity, he recently referred to himself as a "Shikhandi" while addressing people during a Ram Katha event in Bajaria, his constituency.

Meena expressed his frustrations, stating that he had resigned from his ministerial position and had repeatedly requested the Chief Minister to accept his resignation. He explained, “I am no longer a minister; I have already submitted my resignation. I informed the Chief Minister multiple times to accept it. I served the people of eastern Rajasthan—Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Dausa, Alwar, Karauli, Bharatpur, and Dholpur—for 45 years. I had promised Prime Minister Narendra Modi that I would secure victory in all seven seats of eastern Rajasthan, but I lost my own seat. After losing my district seat, I announced that I would resign from the ministerial position, which I have done. I am now dedicated to serving the public wholeheartedly.”

Meena criticized the changing nature of politics and the electorate, citing an instance where a candidate, who had made derogatory remarks about tribals and Meenas, was re-elected. He questioned, “Who is at fault here?”

Further, Dr. Meena drew a parallel between himself and Shikhandi from the Mahabharata, expressing that like Shikhandi, who was instrumental yet powerless in the battle, he too felt powerless in his role. He stated, “When Lord Ram had to go into exile despite being prepared to ascend the throne, I too am willing to forego any position. I have no attachment to positions. I am committed to fighting for and serving the people.”

His recent comments have sparked a new debate within Rajasthan’s political circles and a fresh controversy within the BJP. Meena’s dissatisfaction with his ministerial role and party leadership has intensified internal discord. His remarks come at a time when Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is abroad, adding to the political turbulence. The BJP is currently grappling with internal dissent, especially as by-elections for six assembly seats in the state are approaching.

Political analysts suggest that if the central leadership of the BJP does not address this issue promptly, it could adversely affect the party's performance in the upcoming by-elections. There are also speculations that Meena might be pressuring for a ticket for his brother in the Dausa by-election, although close sources deny this.

Political experts argue that Dr. Meena’s statements indicate deeper issues within the party that need to be resolved urgently to avoid significant political fallout. This comes amid perceptions that former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s faction has already distanced itself from the mainstream BJP. Raje had recently commented on BJP's internal matters during a felicitation ceremony for newly appointed Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, underscoring her dissatisfaction with the party.

In contrast, new BJP state president Madan Rathore claimed that all is well within the party and that any issues will be resolved through internal discussions. The outcome of this internal strife and its impact on the party’s performance in the forthcoming by-elections will be closely watched.