Barmer refinery distils Narendra Modi-Vasundhara Raje bonhomie

Political equations change faster than skin of chameleon. In less than 5 months when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Rajasthan last  to inaugurate road projects, his demeanour towards Chief minister Vasundhara Raje was not visibly friendly. Nor was he generous in appreciating Raje's governance. But Modi was looking a different man in Barmer. The bright sun was adding to the warmth he was seen extending to chief minister during his speech and body language. 

For the first time in 4 years PM and CM were seen interacting at the same frequency. Political observers believe that the pressure to repeat the last feat of wining all the 25 parliamentary seats in Rajasthan could be the compelling factor which brought Modi and Raje closer. The new found bonhomie between Modi and Raje may not probably win them elections hands down but will definitely send across a strong message to detractors who believe Modi may consider change in leadership in Rajasthan.

"After not-so-commendable performance in Gujarat, Modi doesn't want to take chances in Rajasthan. Perhaps he knows Raje is the key to victory in Rajasthan. Modi is making it clear that BJP banks heavily on the charisma of Raje," said Sambrat Pathak, a political analyst.

In August last year, when Modi visited Udaipur, hardly he was seen making any eye contact with Raje. But this time, he was quick to pounce on this occasion to publicise all the good works Raje has done in last 4 years. 

In his speech Modi looked determined to make up last visit's callousness towards CM when he said that Raje, belonging to a royal family, had turned into Marwari. She bargained in the best interest of Rajasthan while negotiating refinery project with centre.

Modi's visit was loaded with political overtones. The way he appreciated contributions of Rajput stalwarts like Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Jaswant Singh and Dalpat Singh, it appeared an exercise to appease the warring community before the byelections. Rajputs, a traditional votebank of BJP, looks to fritter away on issues of Anand pal encounter and controversy over the movie Padmavati. 

Modi's strong appearance in Barmer will go down well in wooing votes for the ruling BJP in the by-elections scheduled later this month in the name of development and job creation.