Ashok Gehlot Critiques Government's Sports Infrastructure Management
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, April 8 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has escalated his criticism of the government led by Bhajan Lal Sharma by unveiling Chapter 17 of his digital series, “Intezaar Shastra”. His latest focus is on the alarming state of sports infrastructure and the inadequate support available for athletes in Rajasthan.
In his recent comments, Gehlot expressed concerns regarding the neglect of crucial facilities such as the Rajasthan State Sports Institute (RSSI) and the Amritlal Stadium in Jodhpur. He questioned the rationale behind the government’s slogan “If Rajasthan plays, Rajasthan will flourish” when fully developed infrastructure is left idle.
Gehlot pointed out that the Rajasthan State Sports Institute in Jodhpur, established under the Congress administration to mirror the National Institute of Sports in Patiala, boasts modern amenities, including a synthetic track and training resources. However, he lamented the lack of appointed coaches, rendering the institute ineffective and leaving promising athletes without proper training.
He argued that the facility, constructed at a cost of crores, is now becoming a “white elephant” due to governmental inaction.
Moreover, Gehlot raised alarms about the crumbling condition of Jodhpur's historic Amritlal Stadium, attributing its decline to a lack of maintenance and administrative neglect, which has frustrated local athletes.
Gehlot criticized the government’s “short-sighted” policies, suggesting that mismanagement of significant investments equates to a waste of taxpayer money. He accused the government of intentionally neglecting projects in Jodhpur, which he views as a disservice to the youth in the Marwar region.
Through his ongoing series “Intezaar Shastra,” Gehlot aims to highlight initiatives from his administration, portraying the current government as one that is hindering, rather than advancing, development.
This series has sparked a wider political discourse, especially across social media platforms, concerning accountability and credit for development initiatives in Rajasthan.
State President Madan Rathore has responded by suggesting that Gehlot should embrace the philosophy of “Santosh Shastra” (contentment) and consider “Vanaprastha” (retirement from active politics), urging Gehlot to step aside for new leadership.