Two heavyweights from Kota find place, Bharat Singh Kundanpur dropped

Two of the most prominent faces in the newly set up cabinet of chief minister Ashok Gehlot are from the Hadauti region. Shanti Dhariwal, who held the portfolio of home minister in the last government led by Gehlot, returns to his side as his trusted lieutenant. 

At one point, it was reported that Dhariwal, who had undergone surgery, was considering not to contest the polls. But, he was seen in his old avatar at the Raj Bhawan ready for the next role that Gehlot assigns him. 

Another heavyweight from Hadauti, Pramod Jain Bhaya, who was elected the legislator from Anta in Baran, also found his berth by Dhariwal’s side. Bhaya, a popular leader defeated his archrival and former agriculture minister, Prabhu Lal Saini. He was defeated by Saini in the last elections. 

Bhaya holds considerable influence in the Kota and Baran region where he can make his presence felt in the upcoming general elections next year. 

However, one of the prominent members in previous Gehlot government, Bharat Singh Kundanpur, didn’t find any space in the cabinet this time. Only yesterday, he had rallied in favour of the farmers who were anxious about shortage of urea in the Kota region. 

In the last government, Bharat Singh helmed the important ministry of rural development and panchayati raj. Sources said, Bhaya who is close to both Pilot and Gehlot was given preference.