In a surprising turn of events, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Princess Diya Kumari as the Deputy Chief Minister designate of Rajasthan, making her a prominent figure in the state's political landscape. The decision adds a royal touch to the BJP's leadership choices, aligning with the cultural and historical significance of Rajasthan.
Diya Kumari, often seen as the "next Vasundhara Raje," comes from a distinguished lineage as the granddaughter of Man Singh II, the last ruling maharaja of Jaipur during the British Raj. A graduate from London with a PhD in Philosophy and a degree in Decorative Arts, she defied tradition by marrying a commoner in 1997, although they later divorced in 2019.
Venturing into politics in 2013, Diya Kumari joined the BJP in the presence of then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Jaipur. Her political journey saw her winning the assembly election from Sawai Madhopur in 2013 and later securing victory in the Rajsamand Lok Sabha constituency in 2019.
Apart from her political role, Diya Kumari manages the Jaigarh Fort in Amber, two trusts — Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, Jaipur, and the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust — as well as two schools and three hotels, showcasing her multifaceted contributions.
Her recent designation as Deputy Chief Minister marks a significant moment in Rajasthan's political narrative, highlighting the BJP's strategic choices and the growing influence of leaders with both royal and academic backgrounds. As Rajasthan witnesses a shift in its political dynamics, Princess Diya Kumari's journey continues to be closely watched for its impact on the state's governance and development.