The anticipation surrounding the appointment of the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan ended on Monday, with Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA from the Sanganer constituency, emerging as the BJP's choice. Following a meeting of the legislature party, observers from Delhi selected Sharma for the position. Hailing from Bharatpur, Sharma has a longstanding association with ABVP, RSS, and BJP, having served as the General Secretary in Rajasthan on four occasions under different state Presidents. Despite being a newcomer to electoral contests, he secured victory in the stronghold Sanganer seat, a move orchestrated by the BJP after sidelining incumbent MLA Ashok Lahoti. This marks Sharma's inaugural term in the Chief Minister's seat, highlighting his organizational experience in Rajasthan. The BJP high command, represented by Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Vinod Tawde, and Saroj Pandey, played a pivotal role in this decision, holding discussions with MLAs in Jaipur. Bhajan Lal Sharma emerged as the chosen Chief Minister, surpassing other contenders, including Vasundhara Raje. Here're are top 10 facts about Rajasthan's new Chief minister Bhajan lal Sharma:
Bhajan Lal Sharma: All you need to know
1. Hailing from Atari village in Bharatpur's Nadbai, Sharma's political journey began with his involvement in ABVP during his school days.
2. Sharma actively participated in the ABVP's 1990 march to Srinagar, protesting attacks on Kashmiri Pandits, resulting in his arrest in Jammu's Udhampur.
3. Transitioning to the BJP's youth wing, BJYM, in the early 1990s, Sharma held various positions, including thrice serving as the BJYM district president.
4. During his political career, Sharma successfully became a sarpanch at the age of 27, serving two consecutive terms, and was also a Panchayat Samiti member.
5. Moving up the ranks, Sharma became the BJP district secretary after dedicated service with the BJYM.
6. Despite an unsuccessful attempt in the 2003 Assembly election from Nadbai constituency on RSNM's ticket, Sharma secured roles such as president of BJP's Bharatpur district unit and state party vice-president. The RSNM was a political outfit floated by BJP leader Devi Singh Bhati who was trying to establish his party as a third force in Rajasthan, after quitting BJP.
7. A member of the Brahmin community, Sharma's political ascendancy continued, leading to his appointment as the state party general secretary in charge of headquarters.
8. Elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party, Sharma recently contested and won the Assembly election from Sanganer constituency in Jaipur.
9. Sharma's victory in Sanganer saw him defeating Congress candidate Pushpendra Bhardwaj by a significant margin of over 48,000 votes.
10. Educational records in Sharma's election affidavit reveal that he holds an MA in political science from the University of Rajasthan.
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