Jaipur, Dec 22 (NationPress) The ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Rajasthan exchanged heated accusations regarding the protection of the Aravalli mountain range. BJP representatives charged former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with disseminating false information, while Congress members took to the streets for a silent Satyagraha, claiming that environmental protections were being weakened.

Senior BJP figure Rajendra Rathore criticized Gehlot, asserting that the former CM is “misleading” the public to mask his administrative shortcomings.

Rathore highlighted that an affidavit concerning the Aravalli range's height and definition, submitted during Gehlot's governance, is now being referenced by the Supreme Court.

He also condemned Gehlot for his inaction in the Assembly, stating, “Gehlot should come to the House and speak. The reality is that even the Congress party is not standing with him,” Rathore remarked.

Rathore noted that although Gehlot initiated the 'Save Aravalli' campaign, prominent Congress figures, including Govind Singh Dotasra, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sachin Pilot, failed to support the initiative even by updating their social media profiles.

“This clearly shows that the campaign is nothing but a political drama,” he asserted.

He further indicated that merely 2.56 percent of the entire Aravalli area is currently subject to mining, while over 700 mining leases were granted during the Congress administration.

“Now they are creating a storm in a teacup,” Rathore commented.

The BJP has taken significant steps against illegal mining, closing down 19,741 illegal mines and filing 2,828 FIRs.

Rathore referenced a statement from Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, who assured that the Supreme Court's ruling would not jeopardize the Aravalli range.

“Court orders, government records, and scientific evidence clearly indicate that the Aravalli has never been in danger and will not be in the future,” he contended.

In contrast, the Congress organized a protest in Jaipur led by former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas.

Party supporters congregated at Ambedkar Circle, holding placards and chanting slogans before participating in a 45-minute silent Satyagraha beneath the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Khachariyawas accused the government of misleading the Supreme Court.

He claimed that a committee formed by the Union Ministry of Environment colluded with industrial interests, presenting a false report to the Apex Court.

“The central government must reverse its decision. Otherwise, this movement will intensify,” Khachariyawas warned.

Several Congress leaders, including District President R.R. Tiwari, MLA Rafiq Khan, Pushpendra Bhardwaj, Archana Sharma, and numerous party workers, participated in the demonstration.