Former Union Minister and Lok Sabha member from Jaipur (Rural) Rajyavardhan Rathore, now contesting Assembly polls in Rajasthan from the Jhotwara seat, says that the BJP’s success in getting many of its rebel candidates to stand down from the contest is the realisation that “discipline is recognised and rewarded in the BJP.”
A powerful rebel in Mr. Rathore’s own constituency, Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, considered close to former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, withdrew his nomination on Thursday, the last day afforded by the Election Commission to do so, reportedly after a call went through to him from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, assuring him of political accommodation in a post-poll scenario. Mr. Rathore’s earlier foray into the seat had not been easy with Mr. Shekhawat’s supporters showing him black flags, but the former Olympic silver medallist and army man patiently diffused that ticking time bomb, with help from the high command.
Speaking exclusively to The Hindu, Mr. Rathore said, “I totally understand that people have personal aspiration and plans. But when you are part of a party cadre, you have to go according to discipline.”
