Does Ashok Gehlot's Critique of Rajasthan Govt Reveal a Double Standard?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashok Gehlot criticizes the Rajasthan government for perceived hypocrisy.
- The Rajasthan High Court cancelled the 2021 SI recruitment exams.
- The Congress party claims to have implemented strict anti-paper leak measures.
- Gehlot links ongoing corruption to broader issues of unemployment.
- A committee was formed to suggest reforms in the examination system.
Jaipur, Aug 30 (NationPress) Following the Rajasthan High Court's decision to annul the 2021 Sub-Inspector recruitment exam, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed on Saturday that this situation highlights the hypocrisy of the current state government.
Gehlot made this statement shortly after Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma claimed that the government had revealed the corruption that occurred during the Congress administration.
CM Sharma criticized the previous Congress government for not addressing the 2021 SI paper leak scandal until 2023.
On Thursday, the Rajasthan High Court had invalidated the 2021 SI recruitment tests.
During a press conference at the Congress headquarters, Gehlot argued: "The High Court's ruling has unveiled the duplicity of the BJP government. Publicly, they advocate for the cancellation of the SI exam, yet in court, they submitted an affidavit opposing its cancellation."
Gehlot also directed his remarks towards Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena and RLP leader Hanuman Beniwal, labeling them as allies who previously attempted to overthrow the Congress government.
Commenting on former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's application for a pension as a former MLA, Gehlot expressed that the Congress party is eager to welcome him back to Rajasthan and intends to inquire about his recent actions.
In defending his administration, Gehlot emphasized that the Congress party had implemented the most stringent measures in the nation against paper leaks.
"We enacted a law mandating life imprisonment, imposing a fine of Rs 10 crore, and enabling property confiscation. Furthermore, we established an anti-cheating cell within the SOG, which is why these scams are coming to light," he stated.
Gehlot reminded the audience that RPSC member Babulal Katara, implicated in a paper leak case, was arrested during the Congress regime.
He also connected the ongoing crisis to the broader issue of unemployment.
"A pervasive atmosphere has developed nationwide, resulting in paper leaks across various sectors—including the Army, Judiciary, Medicine, and even NEET exams. Over 50 incidents have occurred in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Maharashtra, Punjab, and West Bengal. While Rajasthan has also faced these challenges, our stringent measures have set a benchmark," remarked the Congress leader.
He further highlighted that a committee, led by former IPS officer Mahendra Kumawat, was established in 2021 to propose reforms in the examination system, leading to several actionable steps.