Union Minister Shekhawat Critiques Gehlot on Phone Tapping
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Synopsis
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat strongly rebuked Ashok Gehlot for his stance on phone tapping, claiming Gehlot lacks moral authority on the issue. He also criticized Congress's flip-flopping on important events and expressed confidence in Rajasthan's upcoming budget.
Key Takeaways
- Shekhawat accuses Gehlot of authorizing phone tapping.
- Criticism of Congress's inconsistent views on significant issues.
- Over 50 crore devotees attended the Maha Kumbh.
- Upcoming Rajasthan budget expected to be historic.
- Opposition's protests against Waqf Board reforms criticized.
Jaipur, Feb 14 (NationPress) Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday vehemently condemned former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot regarding the phone tapping controversy, asserting that he lacks the moral authority to address it.
In a casual media briefing at his residence, the minister commented that during Gehlot's administration, phone tapping was executed in such a manner that had Gehlot made similar allegations, it might have been dismissed as mere political posturing.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that Gehlot's own Office on Special Duty, Lokesh Sharma, had presented a statement in a Delhi court acknowledging the reality of phone tapping.
Shekhawat accused Gehlot of not just permitting the phone tapping, but also of orchestrating its unlawful disclosure.
"Those who engage in such activities have no right to point fingers at others," he stated.
Referring to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's comments regarding the Maha Kumbh and Congress leaders' involvement in the holy rite at the Sangam, Shekhawat criticized the party's fluctuating position. He claimed Congress frequently reacts adversely to significant events and subsequently retracts its statements.
Recalling the party's reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Union Minister Shekhawat remarked, "When the vaccine was rolled out, Congress leaders termed it the BJP’s vaccine and cast doubt on its reliability. They disseminated false information about the absence of clinical trials. Yet, when the opportunity arose, they discreetly received their vaccinations."
He also mentioned that Congress leaders refrained from sharing their vaccination images on social media to mask their previous claims.
Union Minister Shekhawat stressed that people attend the Kumbh with devotion to attain spiritual purification.
"Those who doubt the importance of Kumbh may never be granted the chance to alleviate their burdens," he observed.
On the forthcoming budget for Rajasthan, he expressed optimism that it would be groundbreaking, following last year’s comprehensive budget.
In discussing the Maha Kumbh, Union Minister Shekhawat emphasized the extraordinary participation.
"Daily records are being shattered. Over 50 crore devotees have already immersed themselves in the Sangam, achieving a global milestone," he declared.
He forecasted that international specialists in event management and crowd control would analyze this Kumbh as a case study in the future.
Commenting on the ongoing demonstrations in Parliament regarding proposed amendments to the Waqf Board laws, he criticized the opposition's position.
He asserted that those opposing the changes are individuals who have misappropriated religious and community assets for personal benefit.
"The opposition is attempting to disrupt societal harmony by protesting these reforms," he noted.
He clarified that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has already conducted an exhaustive review of the issue. The JPC includes representatives from all parties and serves as a miniature version of Parliament. The report has been prepared after extensive deliberation. When it is presented and debated in the Lok Sabha, everyone will have the chance to express their opinions," the Union Minister assured.
