Jaipur- In a significant development in Rajasthan politics, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, the MLA from Bagidora in Banswara district, joined the BJP on February 19, claiming that he did so for the development of the Vagad region. This move has stirred reactions from key figures within the political arena of the state.

Congress leaders launched a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), likening the process of joining the BJP to being put through a washing machine, where individuals emerge miraculously cleansed of any wrongdoing.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Govind Singh Dotasra took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party exerts pressure through agencies and questioned whether joining the BJP miraculously turns individuals honest. During a media interaction at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) war room, Dotasra emphasized that Malviya's track record reveals a pattern of working against his own party members, which ultimately led to his defection.

He pointed out that Malviya's voter base dwindled, prompting his shift to the BJP. Dotasra highlighted Malviya's past electoral victories and the subsequent complaints against him for undermining his party colleagues.

Highlighting the tribal leader's previous stint, Dotasra recalled how Malviya had to wait for two and a half years to become a minister due to allegations of working against fellow Congress members. Despite suspicions surrounding his conduct over the years, Dotasra noted that Malviya was given opportunities within the party, given his status as a tribal leader.

Dotasra further underscored Malviya's realization that his political future in Congress was dim, especially after being denied a Lok Sabha ticket. Feeling marginalized within the party, Malviya opted to join the BJP. Dotasra remained confident that Malviya's departure would not weaken Congress but rather strengthen it, asserting the party's resilience in the face of such challenges.

Former MP, MLA, and ex-member of the Congress Working Committee, Raghuveer Singh Meena, didn't hold back in his criticism of the BJP when asked to comment. Speaking to The Mooknayak, Meena, a seasoned leader from the tribal community of South Rajasthan, remarked on Malviya's switch. "Malviya spent a considerable time with the Congress, during which he consistently criticized the Prime Minister. However, since joining the BJP, suddenly Narendra Modi has become a revered leader in his eyes, and he appears greatly inspired by the PM's policies. Even a chameleon doesn't change color that quickly" Meena stated.

Highlighting Malviya's previous stance, Meena recalled, "It was Malviya who often cited in his speeches that if leaders from the BJP and Congress were to discuss their respective governments' welfare schemes, the BJP's writing board would remain empty while many boards of the Congress would be filled." Meena characterized Malviya's move as a temporary phase, emphasizing that tribal votes would be minimally affected by his departure. "People are astute and understand political maneuvers. Malviya may have joined the BJP out of a desire for power and position, but the public will deliver him a lesson in the upcoming elections. He will realize his folly only then," Meena said.

Describing it as a temporary setback for the party, Meena remarked, "Congress has weathered much bigger blows in the past and bounced back to power with resounding victories. This time will be no different." He expressed confidence that the party would regain its strength soon. "The public will soon realize the shallowness of BJP's policies, which may sound appealing but lack substance or solid backing," Meena added.

Meanwhile, social media groups were abuzz with comments on Malviya's defection, with Congress supporters asserting that the BJP would benefit from his joining, while BJP supporters disagreed, arguing that Malviya stood to gain by joining the BJP, which they believed would set new records in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.