The BJP’s victory in Punjab and Uttarakhand is likely to bring good news for Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje too. Not in a mood to dampen the celebrations, her detractors in the state have decided to hold back their complaints for now. On Tuesday, a senior leader of the rebel group informed The Indian Express, “This is a time for celebration and we, as responsible party members, do not want to spoil the fun.” The rebels, including Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, Education Minister Ghanshyam Tiwari and Social Welfare Minister Madan Dilawar, had earlier been asked by BJP National president Rajnath Singh not to rake up issues against Raje. This was after the three ministers, following reports that they had faxed their resignations to Singh, paid him a visit last month. The group, which had reportedly complained about the working style of Raje, had demanded that immediate action be taken against the CM. The party high command had assured them that their grievances would be looked into after the elections in the three states. On Tuesday, however, the rebel group thought it was best not to raise the issue at this point of time. Sources said that rebelling now would mean casting a shadow over the party’s success. “We cannot forget that UP elections are just round the corner. Having done well in Punjab and Uttarakhand, hopes for UP have also risen,” said a senior leader.However, sources within the party said it’s not just the victory in the two states that has brought over the change. The controversy regarding Social Welfare Minister Madan Dilawar’s assets has forced a rethink.Dilawar, after realising that “someone” was trying to gather details about the properties he owned, last week voluntarily declared the details. When contacted, he said: “I believe the Congress is trying to cause problems. I did not want to given them a chance, so I declared my assets.” The Rajasthan Congress has denied of being involved. However, sources confirmed that Dilawar personally believes it is the Raje camp which is trying to create problems for him as he is a vocal rebel. “He believes that they had gathered details to be released in the local media. To play safe, he announced them himself,” stated a close associate of Dilawar. It was believed that Raje would have to face the fury of not just the Opposition but also party rebels in the Assembly, which begins on Thursday.
