📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / PIB Mumbai, Government of India
Politics
Rakesh Bhati quits BJP, joins Congress in Pali, hits Madan Rathore's stronghold
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jaipur
🗓 29 Aug 2026, 02:36 PM
👁 3
Senior BJP leader Rakesh Bhati has left the party to join the Congress in Pali, dealing a setback to state chief Madan Rathore ahead of local elections.
Senior BJP figure Rakesh Bhati announced his departure from the party and his entry into the Indian National Congress during a public meeting in Pali, the home district of Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore. The move was reported by regional newspaper Amar Ujala and comes just weeks before the scheduled local body elections in the state.
Bhati, a former district president of the BJP, said his decision was driven by a belief that the Congress now offers a better platform to address the concerns of the people in the region. His switch is expected to influence a segment of the party's traditional vote bank, especially in the Khandar and Marwar areas where he enjoys considerable personal following.
Political analysts note that the defection could complicate the BJP's campaign strategy in Rajasthan, where Madan Rathore has been consolidating his position ahead of the polls. The party has not issued an official response yet, but sources suggest internal discussions are underway to mitigate the impact of Bhati's exit.
The Congress, meanwhile, welcomed Bhati, highlighting his experience and local connect as assets for the upcoming electoral battle. The development adds a new variable to the already competitive political landscape in the state.
Bhati, a former district president of the BJP, said his decision was driven by a belief that the Congress now offers a better platform to address the concerns of the people in the region. His switch is expected to influence a segment of the party's traditional vote bank, especially in the Khandar and Marwar areas where he enjoys considerable personal following.
Political analysts note that the defection could complicate the BJP's campaign strategy in Rajasthan, where Madan Rathore has been consolidating his position ahead of the polls. The party has not issued an official response yet, but sources suggest internal discussions are underway to mitigate the impact of Bhati's exit.
The Congress, meanwhile, welcomed Bhati, highlighting his experience and local connect as assets for the upcoming electoral battle. The development adds a new variable to the already competitive political landscape in the state.