FIRST TIME MLA BHAJANLAL SHARMA NEW BJP CM OF RAJ

Two other Brahmin CMs in the country are Mamata and Himanta

- RAHUL CHHABRA

Continuing its experiment of bringing about a generational change among its state leadership, the BJP picked Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA from the Sanganer assembly constituency, as the chief minister of Rajasthan. He is the first Brahmin to helm the state after four decades. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for December 15.

The selection of Sharma, 56, as the new CM did not come as a complete surprise as there were expectations that a lesser-known face could be picked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lead the desert state, just as it was done in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Political analysts said a Brahmin pick as the CM in Rajasthan is likely to help the BJP attract Brahmin voters in neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

UP and Uttarakhand already have Rajput CMs in Yogi Adityanath and Pushkar Singh Dhami. The only two Brahmin CMs in the country are in eastern states - Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and Himanta Biswa Sarma in Assam but Sharma's selection is likely to influence Brahmin voters in heartland states.

Meanwhile, Prem Chand Bairwa and Diya Kumari were named as the new Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan. MLA Vasudev Devnani will be the Speaker.