Kataria, a heavy-weight politician from the Mewar-Wangad region entered the state assembly in 1977 from Janta Party (JP). He went on to become home minister twice in Vasundhara Raje’s government (2003-08 and 2013-18).
Rajasthan LoP Gulab Chand Kataria appointed as Governor of Assam
Known for his close ties with RSS and the party’s top brass, Kataria has enjoyed a free hand in the Udaipur region which comprises 35 seats including the Tribal belt irrespective of who is at the helm of affairs at the state. In the early 70s, Kataria was full-time associated with the RSS and travelled extensively in the tribal belt.
The ground experience and connection with the people give him an upper edge which helps him in winning the Udaipur assembly since 1977. The only exception was in 1998-2003 when he contested from Bari Sadri, a constituency in Chittorgarh.
Reacting to the development, Kataria told media persons, “I am thankful to the party leaders. I will fulfil the responsibility in the best possible manner.” He, however, refused to comment on who will be the next leader of the opposition in the state assembly barely 9-10 months before the assembly elections.
The party top brass on several occasions acknowledged his contribution to building momentum for Ram Janambhoomi Movement in the late eighties which had introduced him to RSS and BJP’s bigwigs.
Kataria was a front-runner for the CM post in the 2003 assembly polls which at the last minute was given to Vasundhara Raje. His political career was marred by several controversies. The latest was his slip of the tongue while making a statement on Maharana Pratap in the 2021 by-poll in Rajsamand.
The biggest controversy to his name was in alleged involvement in the infamous encounter with Soharabuddin Sheikh in Gujarat. CBI booked him for his involvement in 2013 which followed BJPs, and central leaders to his rescue. It revived his position in the state as an influential leader in the state.
Kataria’s equation with state top brass and party presidents was full of ups and down but has averted any major confrontation with any leader. He hinted at taking retirement from politics while stating that the 2018 assembly polls were his last election. Critics said that he never allowed any political leader to invade his political hegemony in the Mewar-Wangad region. His control was evident from the fact he always had a say in the ticket distribution in the assembly polls.
Former CM Raje who was once seen as a main rival of him was among the first to reach his residence and wished him on the elevation. She said, “Your dynamic and effective personality and political experience will write a new chapter of Assam’s progress.”
