Is Ashok Gehlot Right About the Growing Polarisation in India?

Jaipur, June 12 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, vehemently criticized both the Central and state BJP administrations during his visit to Udaipur on Thursday, asserting that democracy is being stealthily undermined in the nation and the Constitution faces jeopardy. This declaration was made while addressing reporters at Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok.

“For over a decade, the nation has been experiencing increasing polarisation, which serves no good to either the country or society. It is imperative that all religions and communities unite to fortify democracy,” stated the former CM.

He further accused the government of misappropriating Central agencies like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax Department, claiming that institutions such as the CVC, once held in high regard during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, have now lost their significance.

Highlighting the importance of the opposition, Gehlot remarked, “What is the ruling party without an opposition? In a democracy, it is the opposition that voices the concerns of the people -- and today, Rahul Gandhi is doing just that.”

Shifting his attention to local matters, Gehlot accused the Rajasthan government of intentionally undermining the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme (RGHS) by imposing unnecessary conditions, thereby complicating access for the public. “This scheme was lauded nationwide, and now other states are adopting it. Yet, in Rajasthan, instead of enhancing it, they have weakened it,” he stated. Gehlot also claimed that the BJP government is obstructing development initiatives launched during the Congress administration.

“We continued Vasundhara Raje’s projects throughout our three terms. However, the BJP is either terminating or delaying significant projects. The ERCP project, for which the Centre guaranteed 90 percent funding, still hasn’t been approved,” he added. He condemned the government for engaging in negative politics, stating, “They either terminate or indefinitely postpone any project initiated earlier. This is detrimental to the public.” Gehlot asserted that there is growing discontent within the BJP ranks.

“Engage with the grassroots and inquire with BJP MPs, MLAs, and workers about the government’s performance. You will receive more criticism from them than from Congress representatives,” he expressed.

In conclusion, Gehlot urged the Chief Minister to prioritize transparency and efficient governance. “I say this for the CM's own benefit -- he should halt everything else and focus on transparency. Identify the shortcomings and rectify them. When the opposition speaks, it reflects public sentiment. The government must heed and respond,” he concluded.

Gehlot is currently on a three-day tour of the Udaipur division and received a warm welcome from Congress activists at Dabok Airport before heading to Chittorgarh.