The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its list of 40 star campaigners for the upcoming by-elections to be held in seven assembly constituencies of Rajasthan. The list features prominent leaders such as Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, BJP state president Madan Rathore, and state in-charge Radhamohan Das Agarwal. Additionally, senior BJP leader Vasundhara Raje and several other influential figures are part of the campaign team.
The first name in the list is that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is followed by BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Smriti Irani.
Among the four Chief Ministers of the states who have been made star campaigners of Rajasthan, the first name is that of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. After him, the names of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav are included in the list.
Congress defectors appointed as star campaigners
Notably, recent defectors from the Indian National Congress—Mahendrajit Singh Malviya, Jyoti Mirdha, and Richpal Mirdha—have been appointed as star campaigners. Their inclusion is a strategic move by the BJP, aiming to capitalize on their local influence and experience, particularly in regions where they have a significant voter base.
Absence of Muslim Candidates Yet Outreach Efforts in Play
Although the BJP has not fielded any Muslim candidates in the assembly, Lok Sabha, or these by-elections, the party has made a pointed effort to engage with the Muslim electorate. In a move designed to send a positive signal to Muslim voters, Hamid Khan Mewati, the state president of the BJP Minority Front, has been included in the star campaigners list. This decision is especially significant given the role of Muslim voters in the Ramgarh and Jhunjhunu constituencies, where they could play a decisive role in the electoral outcome.
Eight ministers among star campaigners
A substantial portion of the BJP’s star campaigners comes from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s cabinet. Eight ministers, including Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa, as well as other key figures like Kirori Lal Meena, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Gajendra Singh Khinvsar, Hemant Meena, Babulal Kharari, and Kanhaiyalal Choudhary, are all tasked with leading the campaign efforts in their respective regions.
Prominent Leaders Who Faced Electoral Defeats
In a somewhat surprising move, several leaders who previously lost elections have also been named star campaigners. Rajendra Rathore, Satish Poonia, Prabhulal Saini, and Mahendrajit Singh Malviya—all of whom lost in the recent assembly elections—are now part of the team. Kailash Choudhary, who lost the Barmer Lok Sabha seat and finished third, has also found a place in the campaign roster.
Women’s Representation and Other Influential Figures
The BJP has also ensured that women’s representation is included in its list of campaigners. Raksha Bhandari, the president of the BJP Women’s Front, has been named a star campaigner. Additionally, former state presidents CP Joshi, Arun Chaturvedi, and Ashok Parnami have been appointed, highlighting the party’s intent to draw on the leadership experience of senior members.
