By Khushi Pal
Published Dec 12, 2023

Hindustan Times
In Focus

Meet the 10 BJP front-runners for Rajasthan chief minister's post

The newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan is likely to pick the next chief minister on December 12, 2023. From Vasundhara Raje to Om Birla, here is a look at the front-runners who can become the next chief minister. 

Vasundhara Raje

The two-time chief minister is among the leading contenders for the CM's post in Rajasthan. She began her political career in 1984 and has been the face of BJP in the state for the last two decades.

Mahant Balaknath

A Lok Sabha MP from Alwar, Balakanth is considered a front-runner as the chief ministerial candidate. He enjoys a huge following in Alwar.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

The Union Jal Shakti minister is another contender. He rose to political fame after defeating Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son, Vaibhav, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Jodhpur. 

Arjun Ram Meghwal

A former bureaucrat, Meghwal, 69, is a three-time parliamentarian and a Dalit leader from Rajasthan.

CP Joshi

CP Joshi is a two-time parliamentarian from Chittorgarh. He won the 2019 Lok Sabha Assembly elections. 

Ashwini Vaishnaw

He currently holds three portfolios: the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. Ashwini Vaishnaw is also among the top contenders for the CM's post.

Om Birla

Another contender in the race, Om Birla is the Lok Sabha speaker since 2019. He is the MP from Kota-Bundi constituency in Rajasthan since 2014.

Om Prakash Mathur

The BJP's senior party leader is another top contender in the race to becoming the state's next CM. 

Diya Kumari

A member of the Jaipur royal family, BJP's former MP is among the contenders for the CM's post.

 Kirodi Lal Meena

The BJP veteran is among the front-runners for the CM's post.