Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has rejected claims of factionalism within the Congress, pointing fingers at the BJP for targeting the opposition instead of addressing its internal affairs. Gehlot emphasized the unity of the Congress in Rajasthan and nationwide, stating that doubts about factionalism are baseless.
During an informal media interaction, Gehlot highlighted that the Congress has refrained from commenting on the BJP’s internal matters, exemplified by their silence on Rajendra Rathore’s Rajya Sabha nomination issue. He reiterated that the Congress stands united without any factionalism in Rajasthan or elsewhere in the country.
Gehlot criticized the state government for delaying Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections despite court orders. Expressing concern over the government’s reluctance to conduct elections, he suggested that if constitutional obligations are not met, the Governor should report to the President. Gehlot recalled his past tenure when elections were held promptly even in challenging circumstances, contrasting it with the current situation.
Addressing allegations by BJP’s Kirodi Lal Meena regarding the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Gehlot questioned the accusations, asking whom Meena was implicating if the ACB operates under the Chief Minister’s authority. Gehlot also responded to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s criticisms of the previous Congress government, dismissing them as not worthy of serious consideration.
Gehlot further criticized the Chief Minister’s limited interactions with the media, urging him to engage more regularly. He emphasized the importance of facing the media to address ground realities effectively, which he believes is lacking in the current approach.
