Five Decisive Steps That Made Bhajanlal Sharma a Game Changer in RajasthanOn the Chief Minister’s Birthday, a Look at the Landmark Decisions of His Two-Year Tenure

Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, who took oath on December 15, 2023, marks both his 58th birthday and the completion of two years in office on December 15, 2025. Born on December 15, 1967, Sharma scripted a rare political milestone by becoming Chief Minister in his first term as an MLA.

Though often criticized by political opponents for his lack of administrative experience, Bhajanlal Sharma has, over the past two years, taken several bold and transformative decisions that have reshaped governance in Rajasthan. These five key initiatives stand out as game changers, laying the foundation for long-term reform and public trust.

1. Formation of the Anti-Gangster Task Force

Holding charge of the Home Department, Chief Minister Sharma moved swiftly to curb organized crime. Within days of assuming office, he constituted a dedicated Anti-Gangster Task Force, appointing senior IPS officer Dinesh MN as its nodal officer.

The task force delivered unprecedented results, cracking down on criminal networks operating across Rajasthan, other Indian states, and even overseas. Gangsters hiding in Italy, Dubai, the United States and California were tracked and arrested. Notably, Anmol Bishnoi has already been brought back to India, while efforts are underway to extradite others. The initiative marked a decisive shift in the state’s law-and-order strategy.

2. Tough Action Against Paper Leaks

One of the most pressing issues in Rajasthan—examination paper leaks—was met with strong political will. Sharma ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the ADG of the Special Operations Group (SOG).

The SIT exposed major recruitment scams, including the Sub-Inspector Recruitment Examination leak, leading to the arrest of 137 accused, among them 69 selected sub-inspectors. The probe also uncovered a large-scale fake degree racket involving private universities. This crackdown sent a clear message on zero tolerance towards corruption in recruitment.

3. Strengthening the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC)

To ensure timely and transparent recruitment, the Bhajanlal government undertook structural reforms in the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). The number of commission members was increased from seven to ten, significantly improving the commission’s efficiency.

This reform is widely regarded as historic, as it addresses long-standing delays in examinations and appointments, restoring credibility to the recruitment process.

4. Enhanced Farmer Support Through Additional Income Aid

In a major boost to the farming community, the Rajasthan government augmented the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. While the central government provides ₹6,000 annually, Rajasthan now contributes an additional ₹3,000 per year.

With this move, Rajasthan became the first state in the country where farmers receive ₹9,000 annually as income support. Around 76 lakh farmers are currently benefiting from the scheme, making it one of the most impactful welfare initiatives of Sharma’s tenure.

5. ERCP and Yamuna Water Agreements

Water security was a major electoral promise, particularly the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). Delivering on this commitment, the Bhajanlal government facilitated a landmark MoU between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, merging their water projects into a joint scheme.

Under the new arrangement, the Central Government will bear 90% of the project cost, while Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh will each contribute just 5%. Additionally, Rajasthan signed an agreement with Haryana to bring Yamuna river water to Jhunjhunu district, addressing long-standing water scarcity concerns.

A Defining Chapter in Rajasthan Politics

As Bhajanlal Sharma completes two years in office, these decisions underscore his administrative resolve and reform-oriented governance. From law enforcement and recruitment transparency to farmer welfare and water security, his tenure has laid the groundwork for lasting change—marking him as a leader whose early years in power have already left a significant imprint on Rajasthan’s political and administrative landscape.