Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has said that Vasundhara Raje should have been the Bharatiya Janata Party’s natural pick for the chief minister’s post in the state. Speaking to reporters, Gehlot noted that Raje had a strong hold within the party as well as among the people of Rajasthan, and her exclusion from the top post was surprising.

Gehlot pointed out that Raje’s long political career and her past experience as chief minister gave her credibility that few leaders in the state could match. He suggested that sidelining her reflected internal differences within the BJP.

The Congress leader also added that the BJP’s leadership decisions would have a direct impact on governance in Rajasthan. According to him, a leader with administrative experience and public connect was necessary to address the state’s pressing issues.

His remarks come amid continued discussions about the BJP’s leadership choices in Rajasthan following the assembly elections. Gehlot has often highlighted rival party dynamics to draw attention to the challenges facing the state government.