JAIPUR – What should have been a celebration of unity and wellness on International Yoga Day turned into a political flashpoint in Rajasthan, as a disagreement between the state government and the BJP party leadership over ministerial assignments has sparked controversy.
The root of the tension lies in two conflicting orders: one issued by the Rajasthan state government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on June 17, and the other by the BJP’s state unit on June 19. Both outlined different rosters assigning ministers to oversee Yoga Day events across various districts—but the overlaps and mismatches between the two created confusion.
For instance, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, and Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel were each assigned districts by the government and then re-assigned different ones by the party. This resulted in visible contradictions and fueled questions about whether the government or the party was truly in charge of administrative coordination.
Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully seized the moment to criticize the BJP’s internal dynamics, alleging that the party was undermining its own government. “This dual command structure is making a mockery of governance,” Jully said. “It’s clear the ministers are not sure whether to follow the government’s directive or the party’s orders. This exposes how the BJP is running the state on party dictates, not on constitutional governance.”
The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a peaceful and symbolic day. Chief Minister Sharma marked the occasion by performing yoga on the dunes of the Thar Desert, intending to blend heritage and health in a unique setting. Across the state, thousands participated in yoga sessions at schools, parks, and community centers.
Still, the political rift stole the headlines. Political analysts say the episode reveals a growing rift between the BJP’s political leadership and its administrative arm in Rajasthan, especially as the state prepares for upcoming municipal elections later this year.
“In a state that already deals with complex caste and regional politics, such confusion at the top doesn’t bode well,” said political commentator Anjana Solanki. “It’s not about yoga—it’s about control.”
Despite the drama, Yoga Day events went ahead with high participation across the state. But the question lingers: when governance and party politics collide, who really calls the shots in Rajasthan?
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