How Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma is shedding the lightweight tag

India Today

2 days ago

Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is surprising both critics and allies with his firm stand on contentious issues where many would have expected him to back down. The most recent instance is his decision not to cancel the 2021 sub-inspector (SI) recruitment examination that was rocked by paper leak and other irregularities.The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) had selected 857 candidates through the exam. But after the Sharma-led BJP government came to power in 2023, investigations revealed major lapses: dummy candidates had allegedly appeared for some aspirants, the question paper was leaked, and even some RPSC members were allegedly involved in the malpractice. So far, around 50 SI trainees have been arrested, including a serving RPSC member and a former member, in the case.advertisementOpposition leaders, such as Hanuman Beniwal of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, and even the BJP's Kirodi Lal Meena, who is the agriculture minister, have demanded that the exam be cancelled altogether. A petition seeking cancellation is also pending in the Rajasthan High Court.However, the Sharma government, following a sub-committee review, has decided to uphold the exam results. Officials argue that only those who failed the exam are demanding its cancellation while the government is proactively identifying and removing SI trainees who got selected through unfair means.
Sharma, in a conversation with INDIA TODAY, defended his decision. 'Many selected candidates left other government jobs to join as SI. Those who couldn't clear the exam may try again. But we need to fill SI vacancies on time. Cancelling the exam only helps a handful,' he said.Sharma's logic has resonated with many. In Rajasthan, exam cancellations and delays have become rampant. Critics blame this on coaching centres that apparently benefit from prolonged uncertainties. Genuine candidates suffer as their entry into government jobs is delayed.Sharma has also shown clarity in handling the protests over the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) exam. Some aspirants had sought postponement, citing Operation Sindoor, but the chief minister turned down the idea. 'How can someone preparing to become an RAS officer have time to sit in protest rather than study?' he asked. 'Meritorious students always want exams to be held on time.'The menace of unfair means being used to secure government jobs has plagued Rajasthan for over a decade. The state has a long history of paper leak controversies. In Sharma's tenure, a special task force has been created for both investigation and deterrence.Sharma's assertiveness on the SI exam issue has particularly stood against Beniwal's threat to lead a march to New Delhi. The administration, in what is being read as a pushback, has snapped an electricity connection in Nagaur that had pending dues of Rs 11 lakh. The connection is allegedly in the name of Beniwal's brother. The administration has also served eviction notices to Beniwal and his brother, both former MLAs, who continue to occupy government accommodation despite no longer holding office.advertisementBJP leaders see Beniwal's tirade as politically motivated. 'Beniwal, whose party has no MLAs left in the legislative assembly, is trying to stay politically relevant. His [electricity] dues and [government accommodation] overstay must be exposed,' said a senior BJP leader, not wishing to be named.Beniwal claimed the electricity bill had been under negotiation and that rent was being paid for the government accommodation. In retaliation, he has launched a social media campaign, mobilising party supporters and demanding Sharma's removal.Sharma remains unfazed. Observers believe the chief minister, once seen as a lightweight, is learning fast and asserting himself more swiftly than expected. As more political opponents line up to challenge him, he appears determined to show he won't be easily shaken. Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch