In a significant political development, former Rajasthan minister and Congress MLA Rajendra Singh Gudha, who was recently removed from his ministerial position, has officially joined the Shiv Sena. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made this announcement during an address to a gathering in Gudha's assembly constituency, Udaipurwati, situated in Jhunjhunu district. Shinde warmly welcomed Gudha to the Shiv Sena, highlighting Gudha's decision to step down from his ministerial role in the interest of serving the people.

“Gudha has come to Shiv Sena. I welcome him to Shiv Sena family,” Shinde said.

Shinde questioned the removal of Gudha, emphasizing that Gudha had raised concerns about women's safety and law and order, prompting his dismissal. "What was incorrect about his statements?" inquired the Maharashtra chief minister.

"With Eknath Shinde, I will work for the youth and women of the state...," Gudha said.

CM Gehlot removed Gudha from his ministerial position when the latter brought attention to a distressing incident in Jodhpur, where four women were tragically found dead. Gudha emphasized that instead of criticizing the central government's handling of the Manipur situation, the Congress government should first address such grave issues within the state. This candid observation led to his dismissal as a minister.

"It is true and should be accepted that we have failed in women's safety. Instead of Manipur, we should look within ourselves why atrocities on women have increased in Rajasthan," Gudha had said in the assembly.

Later, he was marshalled out of the Rajasthan Assembly after he demonstrated against the Gehlot government, holding up the 'Red Diary'.

Following his dismissal, Gudha asserted that he possessed a 'red diary' containing alleged records of illicit transactions involving Gehlot.

Shinde emphasized the pressing need for improved law and order, women's safety, youth employment opportunities, and agricultural progress in Rajasthan.

The Maharashtra chief minister underlined the importance of fostering industries in Rajasthan, particularly in sectors like mining, to generate local job opportunities and prevent youth from migrating to other states in search of work.

Shinde praised Gudha for relinquishing his ministerial position in pursuit of truth, which ultimately led him to join the Shiv Sena.

Regarding the possibility of an alliance with the BJP in Rajasthan, Shinde stated that Shiv Sena's engagement in electoral politics would prioritize the "politics of development," with decisions regarding alliances to be made closer to the polls.

Rajendra Gudha contested the 2018 assembly elections as a BSP candidate and later switched to the Congress, along with five other BSP MLAs. In the previous assembly elections, the BSP had secured six seats, and all its MLAs subsequently joined the ruling party.

Image source: HT