Ashok Gehlot Raises Concerns Over Constitution Club Opening
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent statement, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the inauguration of the Constitution Club, claiming it was already opened during his term. He expressed concerns about the motivations behind the event and emphasized the importance of upholding parliamentary traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Ashok Gehlot questions the rationale behind the Constitution Club's reopening.
- He highlights the previous inauguration during his administration.
- Rajendra Rathore defends the legitimacy of the current inauguration.
- The controversy reflects ongoing political tensions in Rajasthan.
- The Constitution Club aims to enhance parliamentary engagement.
Jaipur, March 6 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, raised concerns regarding the inauguration of the Constitution Club, asserting that it had already been inaugurated during his administration.
Gehlot criticized the move, stating, "There is still an opportunity; Om Birla should reconsider his participation in such events. The motivations behind these actions are regrettable."
He emphasized that the Lok Sabha Speaker occupies a prestigious role, and it remains uncertain if he was made aware of the prior inauguration of the Constitution Club.
“At that time, the then-Speaker C.P. Joshi, the then-Leader of the Opposition Rajendra Rathore, and UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal were all in attendance at the event, with photographs in newspapers corroborating the inauguration. Why is there now a push to establish a new precedent by re-inaugurating the same facility?” he remarked.
He noted that five or six years ago, Vasundhara Raje invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the foundation-laying ceremony of the refinery project, “even though I had already laid the foundation stone for the ₹37,000 crore initiative. During that time, Veerappa Moily and Sonia Gandhi were also present.”
He pointed out that the project, intended for timely completion, was delayed for five years solely to deny Congress any credit.
“The same strategy is being used for the Constitution Club. It was intentionally kept inactive so that Congress would not gain recognition for it. Even Gandhi Vatika was closed for a year for similar reasons,” Gehlot stated.
In response, senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore defended the club's inauguration, asserting that its construction was financed by taxpayers and is a state asset.
He highlighted that while the previous Congress-led government failed to establish an executive committee to oversee the club, the current Assembly Speaker has rectified this, rendering the inauguration completely legitimate.
"Hosting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other Assembly members for the event is justified. Just as family members are invited to a new home, inviting dignitaries for the club’s inauguration is only natural," Rathore explained.
He accused Congress leaders, particularly Ashok Gehlot and State President Govind Singh Dotasra, of attempting to undermine the legacy of the Rajasthan Assembly for political advantage.
Rathore further asserted that Congress leaders have repeatedly disrespected the Assembly Speaker, weakening parliamentary traditions.
He cited recent incidents, including derogatory comments made by the Congress State President and the seven-day Assembly deadlock following suspensions.
"The Congress party, already fragmented between the Gehlot and Pilot factions, now appears to be facing internal discord between the Leader of the Opposition and the Congress State President," Rathore added.
Defending the initiative, Rathore emphasized that Rajasthan’s Constitution Club is among the most advanced in the nation.
He noted that it would serve as a venue for discussions, debates, and knowledge-sharing among both new and former MLAs, ultimately reinforcing parliamentary traditions.
"Rather than generating unnecessary controversies, the opposition should focus on constructive politics," he concluded.
