Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday, 22 June launched a sharp attack on the Rajasthan government, accusing it of failing to provide adequate care to women who suffered serious complications following Caesarean deliveries in state-run hospitals across Jodhpur, Kota, and Bikaner. After personally meeting affected families, Gehlot described the incidents as evidence of a healthcare system in collapse and demanded financial compensation for the victims.

Post-Delivery Complications at Government Hospitals

Gehlot said he had visited and spoken directly with families of women who developed complications after C-section procedures at government hospitals in the three cities. “The government has failed in ensuring proper treatment and care for new mothers. Families who have suffered should be adequately compensated,” he said. He contrasted the current situation with his previous administration’s flagship free healthcare scheme, which provided treatment and medicines worth up to ₹25 lakh per beneficiary — a model he described as pioneering in India.

Broader Governance Failures Alleged

Speaking during a one-day visit to Jalore, Gehlot broadened his attack to cover what he called a pattern of administrative breakdown. He alleged that the state government had grown intolerant of dissent, filing cases against protesters and opposition figures. “There is virtually no government left. The government has lost the ability to listen to people. Those raising public issues are facing cases and even imprisonment,” he said. He also questioned the Ratri Chaupal initiative, arguing that citizens were not being allowed to freely raise concerns at such events.

PM’s Cancelled Balotra Visit and Local Body Elections

Gehlot referred to the recent cancellation of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to the Balotra refinery, calling it a serious administrative lapse. “The Prime Minister’s visit had to be cancelled because of negligence at the refinery site. Such lapses could have resulted in a major incident,” he remarked. On the delay in municipal and Panchayati Raj elections, Gehlot alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was deliberately postponing polls out of fear of electoral defeat, despite constitutional obligations and court directives.

Ram Temple Donations and Accountability

The veteran Indian National Congress (Congress) leader also demanded an impartial investigation into allegations related to Ram Temple donations, stating that the faith of millions of devotees was at stake and that any irregularities must be thoroughly examined. This comes amid broader national scrutiny over the management of funds collected for the Ayodhya temple complex.

Gehlot on His Political Future

When asked about speculation over a possible move to Delhi politics, Gehlot responded in his trademark Marwari style: “Main thasu door nahi” (I am not far from you). He said he remained content with the opportunities given to him by the people of Rajasthan and the Congress leadership, having served as Chief Minister three times and been elected repeatedly as a Member of Parliament and Member of the Legislative Assembly. “I will accept whatever responsibility the party assigns me — whether in Delhi, Rajasthan, the organisation, Jodhpur or Jalore,” he added. Gehlot was in Jalore to attend a condolence meeting at the residence of former Public Grievance Redressal Committee Chairman Pukhraj Parashar and later inspected the new Congress office building in Sanjay Nagar. Whether his political future lies in the state or at the Centre, Monday’s visit signalled that Gehlot remains an active and vocal force in Rajasthan’s opposition landscape.