The corridors of Rajasthan politics are abuzz with whispers of discontent and allegations that could shake the very foundations of the BJP’s leadership in the state. At the centre of the storm is Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, a royal scion who joined the BJP in 2013 and rose swiftly within the party. But what was once seen as a masterstroke by the BJP—projecting a royal face to consolidate Rajput votes—is now increasingly being described by party insiders as a serious political miscalculation.
Allegations of Land Grabbing and Misuse of Power
Diya Kumari is facing mounting allegations of land grabbing and misuse of official influence. The charges include:
💥 Encroachment on government land worth crores in Jaipur.
💥 Control over bungalows worth billions in Civil Lines.
💥 Questionable claims over historical properties, including the iconic Jaigarh Fort.
💥 Alleged takeover of Jalebi Chowk, a historic commercial hub.
Reports and legal filings suggest that some of these properties were registered or managed through trusts linked to her family, blurring the lines between personal interest and public office. Critics argue that by holding ministries such as Finance, Tourism, Culture, PWD, and Women Development, Diya Kumari occupies a position where conflict of interest is unavoidable.
A prime example is the Jaigarh Fort controversy. The fort falls within the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, where commercial activity is restricted by law. Yet, a high-profile Jaigarh Heritage Festival was organised in December 2024—allegedly without mandatory permissions. The event was reportedly managed in collaboration with Padmanabh Singh, Diya Kumari’s son, raising further concerns about nepotism.
Civil Lines Bungalow Dispute
Another major controversy surrounds Bungalow No. 15 and 16 in Civil Lines, Jaipur. Official records classify the property as government-owned, yet it continues to function as an office space for the royal family. Although a Supreme Court ruling favoured the family due to alleged lapses in the government’s legal defence, questions linger: Was the case deliberately mishandled? Why did a BJP government fail to assert control over its own property?
Jalebi Chowk Bulldozer Row
In early 2024, shopkeepers in Jalebi Chowk were displaced after bulldozers cleared the area, reportedly to make way for a multinational retail project. However, after the dust settled, accusations surfaced that the land was effectively brought under Diya Kumari’s sphere of influence. Critics have branded this move as an example of how “development” was used as a cover for private gain.
Growing Unease Within the BJP
Beyond the allegations, the political repercussions within the BJP are becoming increasingly evident. Senior leaders are said to be questioning whether elevating Diya Kumari to the Deputy CM’s post—and handing her key portfolios—was a grave mistake.
The timing is telling. Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Though the meeting was kept under wraps, it has fuelled speculation of imminent political changes in Rajasthan. Party insiders suggest that the BJP’s top leadership is dissatisfied with the way governance and public messaging are unfolding in the state.
The comparison to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s case is striking. Once projected as a loyal BJP face, Dhankhar was sidelined after ideological and organisational concerns arose. A similar sentiment now appears to be forming around Diya Kumari, with whispers that her “outsider” status within the Sangh ecosystem and alleged conflicts of interest may cost her dearly.
The Image Crisis for BJP
The stakes are high. The BJP’s credibility rests on two pillars:
💥 Clean governance and zero tolerance for corruption.
💥 Commitment to Hindutva and ideological integrity.
If a senior leader in Rajasthan is accused of land encroachment, nepotism, and misuse of power, it risks tarnishing the party’s carefully cultivated image. Moreover, Rajasthan has been politically volatile—this time, the BJP’s dominance was already challenged, with nearly a 50-50 split in seats.
Party strategists fear that mishandling the Diya Kumari issue could alienate voters, especially when Modi himself remains the central figure of BJP’s appeal in Rajasthan. As one senior leader reportedly put it: “People vote for Modi, not for Diya Kumari. If her actions dent Modi’s credibility, it becomes a national problem.”
The Road Ahead
Whether these allegations hold up in court is a different matter. Politics, after all, thrives on perception, and perception is already turning hostile. The Congress has so far failed to fully exploit these controversies, but BJP insiders admit that had the roles been reversed, the saffron party would have mounted a relentless campaign.
With Vasundhara Raje making quiet but significant moves in Delhi, speculation is rife that big changes in Rajasthan’s leadership are imminent. If Diya Kumari continues to face mounting allegations, the BJP may be forced to act decisively—either by reshuffling her portfolios or even reconsidering her role as Deputy CM.
Conclusion
The unfolding saga around Diya Kumari is more than a personal controversy—it is a test of the BJP’s commitment to its own promises of clean governance. For a party that thrives on its “no compromise” image, ignoring the growing storm could be politically disastrous.
Rajasthan’s politics, long shaped by royal legacies and modern power struggles, now finds itself at a crossroads: Will BJP stand by its Deputy CM, or will it cut losses to protect its image?
One thing is clear—this is not just about land or forts. It is about the very narrative of the BJP in Rajasthan.
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