Gehlot Critiques BJP's Suspension of RIC Guest House Construction, Labels it 'Negative Politics'
Synopsis
Ashok Gehlot criticizes the BJP government for halting the guest house construction at the Rajasthan International Centre, calling it a waste of resources and negative political maneuvering. He highlights the project's significance and questions the BJP's commitment to public infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Gehlot criticizes BJP's decision to halt guest house construction.
The RIC project is significant for hosting national and international events.
Gehlot's digital series “Intezaar Shastra” highlights stalled projects initiated by Congress.
The guest house project has an estimated budget of ₹40 crore.
The RIC was inaugurated on April 17, 2023, showcasing its importance.
Jaipur, March 31 (NationPress) Continuing his critique of the BJP administration in Rajasthan, prominent Congress figure and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday directed his ire at the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government for ceasing the construction of a guest house at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur.
In the latest installment of his digital series “Intezaar Shastra”, Gehlot challenged the BJP government regarding the suspension of the RIC project, which was initiated under the previous Congress regime.
In a post on X, Gehlot questioned, “What prompted the BJP government to halt the construction of the ‘guest house’ at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC), where both PM Modi and French President Macron attended an event and praised it?”
“While significant events are occurring at RIC and guests are arriving, the government’s decision to withhold funds for the guest house is a waste of public resources on costly hotels,” he asserted.
“What sort of negative politics is this? Is this a repeat of 2014 when the earlier BJP government halted RIC’s work, only for it to resume once Congress regained power?” he inquired.
A video accompanying the post showcased the RIC structure and indicated that the foundation stone was laid on April 19, 2013, with a budget allocation of ₹130 crore. The project was envisioned akin to the India Habitat Centre in Delhi and aimed to host cultural events, exhibitions, and seminars.
The video also claimed that the project was stalled following the BJP's rise to power in 2014 and was revived by the Congress government in 2019. The centre was inaugurated on April 17, 2023, and has since hosted numerous national and international events.
It further noted that a guest house project at the RIC, budgeted at ₹40 crore, was initiated during the Congress term to accommodate participants. However, funding for this project has allegedly been frozen by the current BJP government, leaving it incomplete.
The “Intezaar Shastra” series, launched by Gehlot, emphasizes projects initiated or completed during the Congress government that he claims are now in limbo under the current administration.
Point of View
The ongoing political spat between Ashok Gehlot and the BJP highlights the contentious nature of governance in Rajasthan. Gehlot's accusations reflect broader concerns about the continuity and prioritization of public projects, particularly those initiated under previous administrations.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC)?
The Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) is a facility designed to host cultural events, exhibitions, and seminars, conceptualized to function similarly to the India Habitat Centre in Delhi.
Why did Ashok Gehlot criticize the BJP government?
Gehlot criticized the BJP government for halting the construction of a guest house at RIC, arguing that this move wastes public funds and reflects negative political practices.
What is the budget for the guest house project at RIC?
The guest house project at the Rajasthan International Centre was proposed with a budget of ₹40 crore.
When was the RIC inaugurated?
The Rajasthan International Centre was inaugurated on April 17, 2023.
What is the purpose of the 'Intezaar Shastra' series?
The 'Intezaar Shastra' series launched by Gehlot aims to highlight projects initiated or completed during the Congress government that he claims are now stalled under the current regime.
