Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 25 June mounted a forceful public defence of Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, dismissing allegations levelled by Cabinet Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena as baseless and politically motivated. The intervention marks one of Gehlot's most direct public stands since the Congress moved into opposition in Rajasthan.

Gehlot's Charge Against Kirodi

In a strongly worded post on X and in subsequent remarks to reporters, Gehlot argued that Kirodi has a long record of unsubstantiated accusations. 'Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena has been making allegations against all of us, before the BJP formed the government and even after becoming a minister. Not a single allegation has been proved to date,' Gehlot said.

He further alleged that Kirodi was attempting to deflect attention from controversies surrounding himself. 'Finding himself cornered, Kirodi Lal Meena is making completely false and baseless allegations against PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra. This reflects his desperation. The public is watching everything, and the end of this politics of lies is inevitable,' Gehlot wrote in his post.

Defence of Dotasra's Position

Gehlot underscored that the Congress president commands a position of institutional dignity within the party and that repeated unsubstantiated attacks were bound to provoke a response. 'A party president holds a position of prestige. If allegations are repeatedly made without facts, there is bound to be a reaction within the party. That reaction is visible today,' he said, speaking to reporters in Jodhpur.

He also noted that Dotasra himself had publicly questioned the basis of the charges against him, lending further weight to the party's pushback.

The ACB Angle

Gehlot also took aim at Kirodi over his recent remarks concerning the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). He alleged that when scrutiny turned toward Kirodi, the minister claimed the ACB was operating under pressure from the Chief Minister — a charge Gehlot described as an excuse rather than a defence. 'On one hand, things are getting exposed, and on the other, excuses are being made,' he said.

Congress Closes Ranks

Former minister and senior Congress leader Ramlal Jat also came out in support of Dotasra, accusing Kirodi of indulging in diversionary politics. 'Making baseless allegations against Govind Singh Dotasra only exposes Kirodi's desperation. The public understands everything, and the politics of falsehood cannot continue forever,' Jat said.

Party insiders noted that Kirodi has for years accused Dotasra of involvement in paper leak scandals and of allegedly influencing appointments of relatives to key government positions. However, this is reportedly the first time since the Congress's defeat in the state that Gehlot has so publicly and forcefully defended the PCC chief.

Political Significance

The development is being read by observers as more than a simple rebuttal — it signals shifting political equations within the Rajasthan Congress. Gehlot's aggressive public stance suggests the party is consolidating around Dotasra ahead of what is expected to be a prolonged period in opposition. Whether Kirodi responds with fresh allegations or retreats will likely shape the next chapter of this escalating confrontation.