Jaipur, March 30 (NationPress) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot delivered a robust rebuttal on Monday to comments from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, maintaining that his son has never occupied the official Chief Minister’s residence and instead lives in a rented accommodation.

In response to Sharma’s remarks, Gehlot stated that the Chief Minister should prioritize governance rather than meddling in the Congress party's internal affairs. “Your focus should not be on who pays attention to us; these are internal matters. You should be addressing the issues concerning your own administration,” he remarked to reporters in Jaipur.

This reaction followed Sharma's comments at a gathering in Jamwaramgarh on Sunday, where he suggested that “no one in Delhi is paying attention to him these days” and that individuals Gehlot had previously criticized are now in positions of power.

Gehlot dismissed these claims and questioned the government's accountability regarding opposition inquiries. “Observe the questions we are posing and the responses we receive. I ask pointed questions, yet the answers are often completely irrelevant. Even I struggle to comprehend their replies,” he stated.

Furthermore, he critiqued the Chief Minister’s advisory team, indicating that inadequate guidance could undermine the government’s integrity. “The Chief Minister must personally assess the responses and reconsider the advisors surrounding him,” he emphasized.

Clarifying his previous statements, Gehlot noted that his comments about keeping family members out of governance had been misconstrued. “I never suggested that family members should avoid politics. I merely indicated they should not interfere with government operations,” he clarified.

He asserted that it is beneficial for family members to engage in politics. “There is nothing wrong with sons, daughters, or relatives participating in politics. Their involvement can draw on the experience of seasoned leaders and fortify the next generation,” Gehlot added.

The former Chief Minister also highlighted several governance challenges, including the postponement of elections for the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and the lack of student union elections in universities and colleges. “Why are these elections being delayed? Is there a reluctance to engage the youth? This situation is regrettable,” he remarked.

Gehlot called upon the Chief Minister to assert stronger control over the administration.

“You are a respectable individual. Please take charge, stabilize the system, and evaluate your advisory team. There is mounting public concern, and the government needs to respond effectively,” he concluded.