Amit Shah says BJP turned Rajasthan from a ‘BIMARU’ state into a developed one

BJP president Amit Shah said in Jaipur that his party had transformed Rajasthan from a ‘BIMARU’ state into a developed one and would now make it prosperous. Speaking at a press conference as campaigning closed ahead of polling on December 7, he predicted that the BJP would form the government with a full majority.

BIMARU is an acronym built from the first letters of four states: Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Attack on the Congress

Shah accused Rahul Gandhi’s Congress of negative politics, casteism and appeasement, while saying the BJP had concentrated on development and received a good response. He said the Congress promoted dynasty by making members of one family its presidents, whereas the BJP valued people who delivered and worked for the country’s progress.

Bulandshahr violence

Asked about the violence in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, earlier in the week, Shah said it should not be politicised. He said the Congress had made allegations, but the facts would emerge once the Special Investigation Team submitted its report. A mob attack in which a police inspector and a young man died broke out after cow carcasses were found scattered in a forest in the district on Monday.

Campaign claims

Shah said the number of people filing income tax returns had doubled after demonetisation. He added that the party’s Rajasthan campaign had included 15 roadshows as well as 222 rallies and meetings.

Votes were due to be counted on December 11.

What happened next

The Congress won 99 seats to the BJP’s 73 in the 199 seats that voted, and Ashok Gehlot became Chief Minister.

Originally published on 6 December 2018. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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