List of Chief Ministers of Rajasthan 

1. Hiralal Shastri (1950–1951)

Hiralal Shastri was the first Chief Minister of Rajasthan. A freedom fighter and social reformer, he worked extensively for rural upliftment and education. His tenure was short but important in setting up the initial framework of governance in the newly formed state. He is remembered as a leader with strong values and commitment to public service.

2. C. S. Venkatachar (1951)

C. S. Venkatachar served as the second Chief Minister for only a few months. His role was mainly transitional during the early years of Rajasthan’s statehood. Although his tenure was short, he maintained continuity in governance. He is remembered as an administrator more than a mass leader.

3. Jai Narayan Vyas (1951–1952, 1952–1954)

Jai Narayan Vyas served twice as Chief Minister. He was an active freedom fighter and a strong voice for Rajasthan’s integration into the Indian Union. His policies focused on economic development and strengthening democratic institutions. He was respected for his leadership and vision.

4. Tika Ram Paliwal (1952)

Tika Ram Paliwal served as CM for a brief time in 1952. He came from a humble background and was closely connected to the grassroots. He is remembered for his simplicity and commitment to farmers’ issues. His leadership was transitional, bridging two terms of Jai Narayan Vyas.

5. Mohan Lal Sukhadia (1954–1971)

Mohan Lal Sukhadia was the longest-serving Chief Minister of Rajasthan, holding office for 17 years. He is often called the “Architect of Modern Rajasthan” for his reforms. His major achievements included abolishing the feudal jagirdari system and expanding education and healthcare. He transformed Rajasthan into a more progressive and modern state.

6. Barkatullah Khan (1971–1973)

Barkatullah Khan was the first Muslim Chief Minister of Rajasthan. He promoted urban development, education, and administrative reforms. His progressive policies earned him respect, but his tenure was cut short by his sudden death in 1973. People remember him as a promising leader with a modern outlook.

7. Hari Dev Joshi (1973–1977, 1985–1988, 1989–1990)

Hari Dev Joshi served three terms as Chief Minister. A loyal Congress leader, he was known for his administrative skills and ability to manage political challenges. His focus was on rural development, welfare schemes, and strengthening Congress’s hold in the state. He is regarded as a stable figure during politically unstable times.

8. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (1977–1980, 1990–1992, 1993–1998)

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat was one of Rajasthan’s tallest political leaders and later became Vice-President of India. Known as the “Chanakya of Rajasthani politics”, he was instrumental in building the BJP’s base in the state. His leadership focused on economic reforms, drought relief, and infrastructure development. He remains a legendary figure in Rajasthan politics.

9. Jagannath Pahadia (1980–1981)

Jagannath Pahadia was the first Dalit Chief Minister of Rajasthan. His leadership symbolised social inclusion and representation in marginalised communities. Although his tenure lasted just over a year, Jagannath Pahadia focused on promoting social justice and empowering weaker sections of society. He later went on to serve as Governor in different states.

10. Shiv Charan Mathur (1981–1985, 1988–1989)

Shiv Charan Mathur served two terms as Chief Minister. He was a scholar-politician with a reputation for efficient administration. His focus was on industrial development, employment generation, and public sector growth. He later served as Governor of Assam, continuing his public service career.

11. Hira Lal Devpura (1985)

Hira Lal Devpura served one of the shortest terms in Rajasthan’s history, lasting just about two weeks. He acted as a stopgap Chief Minister during a period of political reshuffling in the Congress party. Despite his short tenure, he represented stability in a time of leadership transition.

12. Ashok Gehlot (1998–2003, 2008–2013, 2018–2023)

Ashok Gehlot is among the most prominent Congress leaders of Rajasthan, having served three full terms. He is known for welfare schemes such as free medicines, social security pensions, and education reforms. His leadership style emphasised social justice and inclusive growth. He has been a mass leader with a strong grassroots connection.

13. Vasundhara Raje Scindia (2003–2008, 2013–2018)

Vasundhara Raje was the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan. As a BJP leader, she modernised infrastructure and encouraged investment in tourism and industry. Her policies focused on women’s empowerment and digital governance. She remains one of the most influential leaders in the state.

14. Bhajan Lal Sharma (2023–Present)

Bhajan Lal Sharma is the current Chief Minister of Rajasthan. By representing the BJP, he symbolises a generational change in state politics. His early focus has been on governance reforms, digitalisation, and rural development. His leadership is expected to shape the state’s future growth.