Sanganer MLA Bhajanlal Sharma was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Rajasthan at a mass ceremony on Friday, attended by thousands of BJP workers enthused by the first-time legislator occupying the top post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, and the CMs of BJP-ruled States were in attendance.
Governor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Sharma and Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa at the function held in front of the Albert Hall in the Ram Niwas Garden. Mr. Sharma, who was the BJP’s State general secretary till recently, took charge of the State on the day he turned 56.
Three stages were put up at the swearing-in ceremony to accommodate different groups. Over 50 Hindu priests and seers were seated at one stage, while all the political leaders occupied chairs on another stage. The third stage was meant for the oath, where the Governor, Mr. Modi and the three leaders, who were to be sworn in, were seated.
‘Next generation taking over’
Saffron banners, posters, and hoardings, carrying pictures of Mr. Modi and details of Union government schemes as well as the BJP’s ‘guarantees’, were put up at the venue in large numbers. Thousands of BJP workers and supporters from all over the State waved the party’s flags and raised slogans such as ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Modi-Modi’.
A group of party workers from Dausa district profusely praised the decision to appoint Mr. Sharma as the CM, saying that it would enable them to promote the BJP as a “party with a difference”, which could pick a first-time MLA for the top post. “It is a transformation for Rajasthan… The next generation is taking over the reins,” Kishore Pareek, one of the BJP workers, said.
The BJP’s Bharatpur district unit vice-president Sher Singh said that Mr. Sharma’s appointment would encourage party workers at the grassroot-level. “It is a clear signal that whoever works hard can become the CM. The BJP is the only party which recognises talent, dedication, and tireless work. Others are steeped in corruption and nepotism,” Mr. Singh said.
Temple prayers and family values
Several people attending the ceremony also praised Mr. Sharma’s family values and respect for his parents, depicted in a social media post circulated among the spectators. The CM-designate was shown sitting on the floor with his wife and washing the feet of his mother and father to get their blessings before leaving for the function. Mr. Sharma began his day by offering prayers at the Govind Dev temple in the Walled City.
A commotion took place at an entry point in Ram Niwas Garden shortly before the ceremony, as some people tried to enter a wing reserved for the government officers. Policemen stopped those who jumped over the barricades, using mild force.
Senior Congress leader and outgoing CM Ashok Gehlot, sitting next to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, was among those who attended the ceremony. Other prominent attendees included Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari, BJP president J.P. Nadda, former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, current BJP CMs Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Dhami, Eknath Shinde, and Bhupendrabhai Patel, and Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.
Changes at the CMO
Mr. Sharma later reached the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in the State Secretariat and assumed office as the 14th Chief Minister, with the priests reciting Vedic hymns and consecrating his chair. When former CM Ms. Raje blessed him by putting her hand on his head, Mr. Sharma stood up and offered sweets to her and others present in the office.
Changes were made in the CMO shortly after Mr. Sharma took the oath, with the appointment of three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in key positions. T. Ravikanth, a 1998 batch IAS officer serving as Principal Secretary (Medical Education), was given the charge of Principal Secretary to the CM, replacing Kuldeep Ranka who had served as Principal Secretary to former CM Mr. Gehlot.
Anandhi, Secretary, Information Technology Department, was given the charge of Secretary in the CMO, and Rajasthan Rural Livelihood Development Council CEO Saumya Jha was temporarily appointed the Joint Secretary. All the three IAS officers will continue to hold their present posts along with their additional charge in the CMO.
