Rajasthan BSP MLAs join Shiv Sena, say will work for BJP’s LS candidates

Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said, “I wholeheartedly welcome you to Shiv Sena and congratulate you.” At the joining, the MLAs said that they are “influenced by the works of the Maharashtra government and Shiv Sena”.

Manoj said that he “will ensure the BJP candidate’s victory in Churui”.

Sadulpur is part of the Churu Lok Sabha constituency where the BJP is locked in a stiff battle with the Congress. Kumar’s joining is expected to boost the prospects of the BJP as he can now officially seek votes for Devendra Jhajharia, the BJP candidate in Churu, since Shiv Sena is in alliance with the BJP. Of the 8 Assembly seats in Churu LS seat, five are held by the Congress, two by the BJP and Sadulpur by the BSP.

Similarly, Gurjar’s joining is expected to help BJP’s Indu Devi Jatav who has been fielded from Karauli – Dholpur Lok Sabha constituency against Bhajan Lal Jatav of the Congress. Like Churu, five Assembly segments in the LS constituency are held by the Congress, two by BJP and Bari by the BSP.

Talking to The Indian Express, MLA Manoj said, “We will take up development as a priority. (Was influenced) by their ideas of development.” When pointed out that the Shiv Sena has little base in Rajasthan, Manoj said, “we’ll create one.”

BSP state president Bhagwan Singh Baba said, “We don’t have a confirmation about their joining so can’t comment on it. We will be able to respond only after confirmation and discussion with Behenji (BSP supremo Mayawati).”

This is not the first time that all BSP MLAs have defected in Rajasthan. In 2009 and 2019, when the BSP won six Assembly seats each in Rajasthan, all of them switched over to the Congress, allegedly at the behest of the then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Jaswant Singh is a two-term MLA and was elected for the first time in 1998 from Bari on a BJP ticket. Manoj Kumar too is a two-term MLA, having been elected from the BSP in 2013 as well.