Rajasthan’s Minority Affairs Minister, Surenderpal Singh, tendered his resignation on Tuesday, a day after facing defeat in the Karanpur bypoll against Congress candidate Rupinder Singh Kooner. Singh, who had been sworn in as Minister of State (MoS) with independent charge on December 30, 2023, decided to step down following his electoral setback.
Background: Singh’s Electoral Loss and Ministerial Role
Surenderpal Singh, the BJP’s candidate for the Karanpur bypoll, lost to Congress’s Rupinder Singh by a margin of over 11,000 votes. Singh assumed office as MoS on January 5, where he was assigned the portfolios of the minority and waqf department, agricultural marketing department, Indira Gandhi Nahar, and irrigation development.
Controversy and Opposition Claims
The Congress objected to Singh taking on ministerial responsibilities while still being a candidate for the Karanpur bypoll, alleging a violation of the code of conduct. This controversy emerged due to Singh’s dual roles as a candidate and a minister.
Political Background: Past Ministerial Roles
Surenderpal Singh had previously served as a minister in the BJP government twice, first in 2003 and then in 2018 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. During his tenures, he was allocated the agriculture department in 2003 and the petroleum department in 2018.
Post-Election Scenario and New Government Formation
The new Rajasthan government, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, came into power following the BJP’s significant victory in the state Assembly elections held in November 2023. With 115 seats out of 199, the BJP secured a strong majority. The swearing-in ceremony for Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with deputies Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa, took place on December 15, 2023.
Surenderpal Singh’s resignation comes in the wake of the electoral dynamics and the subsequent formation of the new government in Rajasthan.
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