In a significant political development in Rajasthan, former state minister Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is seeking to return to the Congress party. Malviya, who had switched to the BJP just last year, cited the ruling party's alleged failure to address the concerns of the poor and tribal communities as the primary reason for his exit.
A High-Profile Meeting in Jaipur
The move became public on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when Malviya held a meeting with senior Congress leaders in Jaipur. The meeting took place at the Constitution Club and included Congress General Secretary Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Govind Singh Dotasra, and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully.
Following the discussions, Malviya addressed the media, launching a sharp critique of the BJP government. He stated that despite the party being in power, he found himself unable to get work done for his constituents. "There is no one in the BJP government who listens to the poor," Malviya claimed. He highlighted specific grievances, including pending MNREGA payments for months and a shortage of fertilizers for farmers.
"A Historical Mistake" to Join BJP
PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra revealed details of a letter he received from Malviya. According to Dotasra, the former minister admitted that leaving the Congress was a "huge, historical mistake." Malviya reportedly expressed that he felt "suffocated" in the BJP and did not wish to stay there "for even a second." He acknowledged that Congress had always given him respect and honour, aligning with his principles.
Dotasra further stated that Malviya confessed to joining a party where, in his view, there is no respect for tribal people or individuals from any caste, leading him to live a "humiliating life." The PCC President confirmed that Malviya's case has been forwarded to the party's disciplinary committee. The committee will discuss the matter and submit a report to the Congress high command via the state in-charge for a final decision.
Political Journey and Future Implications
Malviya's political career spans over four decades, almost entirely within the Congress fold. He recounted his long association, having served as a Sarpanch, Pradhan, MP, five-time District Head, four-time MLA, and a two-time state minister. He explained his initial shift to the BJP before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was driven by the idea that a "double-engine government" (same party at centre and state) would accelerate development in his tribal-dominated area of Banswara.
However, after joining the BJP and contesting (and losing) the Banwara Lok Sabha seat in 2024 to BAP candidate Rajkumar Roat, Malviya realized he could not adjust to the new party. After consulting his conscience and workers, he decided to return. His potential re-induction into Congress is seen as a potential boost for the party ahead of the upcoming urban body elections in Rajasthan this year.
The final decision now rests with the Congress high command, marking another twist in the dynamic political landscape of the state.
