Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, expressed alarm over the erosion of democratic values in India. He criticized the practice of buying and selling elected representatives, likening it to trading animals like horses, donkeys, buffaloes, and goats in a political marketplace. Gehlot highlighted the trend of political defections across the country, citing examples from West Bengal where a significant number of MLAs and MPs switched allegiances, questioning the integrity of the democratic process.
Gehlot emphasized the need for public vigilance to safeguard democratic principles, especially urging the younger generation to actively engage in defending the democratic ethos. He referenced a recent event in Kota, part of a nationwide initiative led by Rahul Gandhi, aimed at protecting the Constitution and addressing issues affecting youth, such as the stress faced by students during exams like NEET. Gehlot also raised concerns about the disparity between the revenue generated from students and the government’s actual spending on education, calling for greater transparency in educational finances.
