In a significant political move, former Rajasthan Minister Mahendrajit Singh Malviya has officially rejoined the Congress party after his brief stint with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The veteran tribal leader from the Vagad region, who had served as a Cabinet Minister in the previous Congress-led government, made his return after a series of personal and professional disagreements with the BJP leadership.
Malviya, a prominent figure in Rajasthan’s tribal politics, had left Congress before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and its decision not to participate in the consecration of the Ram temple in January 2024. This decision was a major trigger for his exit, as he found it “unacceptable” due to his deep-rooted Hindu beliefs.
However, after his defeat as the BJP candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he lost by a significant margin of 2.47 lakh votes, Malviya reassessed his political standing. He cited his inability to function effectively under the BJP government, particularly due to delayed welfare schemes such as MGNREGA, shortages in agricultural supplies, and overall neglect of tribal concerns. This, he claimed, made it difficult for him to continue his political journey under BJP’s rule.
After considering these factors and with the backing of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Malviya was formally re-inducted into the Congress fold. The decision came after a detailed review by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), following discussions with Congress Working Committee members, including his previous role as a member. His re-entry is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Congress’s presence in Rajasthan’s tribal regions, especially in the face of growing challenges from rival parties.
Political Career Recap:
- Four-time MLA: Malviya has represented the tribal-dominated Bagidora constituency in Banswara for four consecutive terms since 2008.
- Former Minister: He served twice as a Cabinet Minister in the Congress government, influencing policy in key sectors.
- Congress Working Committee Member: His influence within the party was significant, though he became disillusioned after not being appointed as the Leader of Opposition following Congress’s defeat in the 2023 Assembly elections.
His return is expected to empower the Adivasi voice in the Congress party and provide a boost to its organizational strength in Rajasthan’s tribal regions. The Congress leadership has welcomed his re-entry, citing his political experience and ability to galvanize the tribal vote as key assets.
A Shift in Allegiances Amid Political Shifts:
Malviya’s political journey has been marked by shifts in allegiance. His 2024 defeat as a BJP candidate and subsequent estrangement from the party’s senior leadership, especially after a lack of recognition post-election, made him reconsider his loyalty. His frustrations with the BJP’s governance model, particularly in relation to tribal welfare and local governance, contributed to his decision to leave.
The Congress party, in welcoming Malviya back, sees this as an opportunity to not only strengthen its position in the state but also to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issues faced by the tribal community. Congress’s Rajasthan chief, Govind Singh Dotasra, emphasized that Malviya’s return would fortify the party’s tribal outreach and contribute to a more inclusive political discourse in the region.
This political realignment underscores the fluid nature of alliances in Indian politics, with veteran leaders like Malviya navigating personal beliefs, party leadership issues, and governance concerns in an ever-changing political landscape.
