The Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Core Committee convened in Jaipur on Saturday, 17 May to review the party's ongoing campaigns, organisational activities, and key political matters across the state. Veteran party leader and former state BJP president Arun Chaturvedi briefed reporters after the meeting, confirming that the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections featured prominently on the agenda.

Rajya Sabha Candidate Selection

The Core Committee resolved that state BJP President Madan Rathore and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma would hold consultations and forward suitable names to the Central Election Committee. According to Chaturvedi, the selection process will give weight to the dedication of party workers, their loyalty to the organisation, and the broader interests of the party. Members participated both in person and through virtual links during the deliberations.

NEET Controversy and Congress Criticism

The committee held a detailed discussion on the NEET examination controversy, sharply criticising the Indian National Congress (Congress) for allegedly politicising the issue — a charge the party termed 'unfortunate.' Chaturvedi stated that irregularities in the examination originated in Nashik before spreading to Pune, Gurugram, and other parts of the country. He said the Central government acted swiftly by cancelling the examination and handing the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chaturvedi drew a contrast with the previous Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government, which, he alleged, had refused BJP's repeated demands for a CBI probe into the Rajasthan Eligibility Examination for Teachers (REET) paper leak case.

Gram Rath Yatra and Farmers' Outreach

The Core Committee expressed satisfaction over the Rajasthan government's 'Gram Rath Yatra' campaign, designed to promote farmers' welfare at the grassroots level. Chaturvedi said the initiative has enabled the state government to reach farmers directly and communicate its schemes, policies, and commitments. The meeting also reviewed ongoing organisational training camps across Rajasthan and noted positive participation by senior party workers.

Fuel Prices and Political Blame Game

Rising petrol and diesel prices also came under discussion. Chaturvedi attributed the global fuel price surge to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and prevailing international conditions, while claiming that India's price increase has remained comparatively limited. He said the Central government has provided subsidies over the past four months to cushion consumers. He further alleged that the Congress had politicised the fuel price issue, contrasting it with the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led Rajasthan government, which he said has offered relief to the public on two separate occasions — something the previous Gehlot government had declined to do on VAT rates despite BJP demands.

Attendance and Absentees

Most BJP members attended the meeting in person in Jaipur. Those who joined virtually included Union Ministers C.P. Joshi, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Alka Gurjar, and Satish Poonia. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav could not connect virtually due to technical issues but participated by telephone. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje sent her best wishes through a message, citing the ill-health of a close relative as the reason for her absence. Those physically present included state BJP President Madan Rathore, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Bhagirath Chaudhary, and former state BJP president Ashok Parnami. The next steps on Rajya Sabha nominations are expected to emerge from consultations between Rathore and Sharma in the days ahead.