Congress united, no factionalism in Rajasthan, says Ashok Gehlot

Jaipur, June 22 (IANS) Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has dismissed allegations of factionalism within the Congress and instead has accused the BJP of repeatedly targeting the opposition while ignoring questions about its own internal affairs.

During an interaction with the media, Gehlot asserted that the Congress remains united in Rajasthan and across the country.

He also said the party has never commented on the BJP’s internal decisions and cited that they never questioned why senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore was not being nominated to the Rajya Sabha. “Congress is united. There is no factionalism in Rajasthan or anywhere else in the country. Anyone who has doubts should clear them. These questions are raised repeatedly, but there is no substance to them,” Gehlot said.

He addressed several questions posed by journalists during an informal interaction. Sharing a video of the exchange on social media platform X, Gehlot firmly rejected claims of factionalism within the Congress, asserting that the party remains united both in Rajasthan and across the country.

Responding to recurring questions about internal divisions, Gehlot turned the spotlight on the BJP and said Congress has never questioned the ruling party’s internal decisions. “We never asked why Rajendra Rathore was denied a Rajya Sabha ticket. There is a lot that can be said about the BJP, but we choose not to comment. Yet they continue to talk about Congress,” he remarked.

Gehlot also criticised the state government for delaying Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections despite judicial directives. “Everyone can see their anxiety. Despite orders from both the High Court and the Supreme Court, elections are not being conducted. Since they are in power at the Centre as well, to whom should people appeal?” he said.

Questioning the delay, Gehlot added that if constitutional obligations are not being fulfilled, the Governor should submit a report to the President.

Drawing a comparison with his own tenure, Gehlot recalled that elections were conducted on time even during challenging circumstances. “In 1998, when government employees were on strike, we wondered how elections would be held. The High Court made it clear that elections must take place on schedule regardless of the situation. Today, despite repeated directions from the courts, elections are still not being conducted,” he said.

Commenting on allegations made by BJP leader Kirodi Lal Meena that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was acting under pressure and framing him in a false case, Gehlot questioned the contradiction. “If the ACB functions under the Chief Minister’s authority, then whom exactly is Kirodi Lal Meena accusing?” he asked.

Responding to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s recent criticism of the previous Congress government, Gehlot said such remarks should not be taken seriously.

“Since becoming Chief Minister, even leaders from his own party have openly criticised him. Ministers complain that their work is not being done, and nobody listens to them. Some ministers are seen arguing at police stations, while others are threatening district collectors,” he said.

Gehlot also took aim at the Chief Minister’s limited engagement with the press. “To date, he has not held a proper interaction with the media or answered their questions. He should face the media regularly. The press reflects the realities on the ground, and that ultimately helps the government. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be his approach,” Gehlot said.

–IANS

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