Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajasthan President Madan Rathore on Wednesday launched a sharp counter-attack against former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, questioning why Gehlot failed to act against legislators he allegedly described as having been 'sold' during his own time in power. The remarks came in response to Gehlot's recent statement in which he reportedly used terms such as 'horses, donkeys, buffaloes and goats' to characterise public representatives.

The Provocation: Gehlot's Remarks on MLAs and MPs

Gehlot had allegedly made remarks implying that several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) were 'sold out' — a claim that drew immediate political fire from the BJP. Rathore seized on the statement, arguing that if Gehlot genuinely believed legislators were compromised, he had both the authority and the obligation to act against them during his tenure as Chief Minister.

'If those representatives were indeed sold out, why did you not take any action against them during your own tenure?' Rathore asked, according to reports.

Rathore's Broader Critique of Gehlot's Governance

Rathore went beyond the immediate controversy to mount a wider indictment of Gehlot's record in office. He alleged that Gehlot devoted the bulk of his energy to appeasing his political leadership — widely understood as a reference to the Gandhi family and the Indian National Congress (Congress) high command — and to advancing his son's political career, at the expense of public welfare and development.

Notably, Rathore pointed to Gehlot's home district as an example of unfulfilled development promises, arguing that despite multiple terms in power, the region continues to lack basic facilities. 'Had Gehlot prioritised the welfare of the state and its people instead of appeasing his political masters, his home district would not still be grappling with a lack of basic facilities,' Rathore said.

Allegations of Political Opportunism

Rathore further alleged that Gehlot's current public statements are driven not by genuine concern for Rajasthan but by a desire to remain politically relevant and earn favour with the Gandhi family. He accused the former Chief Minister of making 'irresponsible statements' as a tactic to prove his continued utility to the Congress leadership.

He alleged that across all three of his terms as Chief Minister, Gehlot prioritised pleasing the Congress high command over delivering governance outcomes for the people of Rajasthan. This is not the first time the BJP has levelled such charges — the party has consistently framed Gehlot's political conduct as subordinating state interests to internal party dynamics.

BJP's Development Narrative

Rathore concluded by asserting that the electorate in Rajasthan has grown wise to what he described as the 'opportunistic politics' of Congress leaders. He claimed that voters now back governance rooted in development, accountability, and good governance — values he associated with the BJP's current model in the state.

He predicted that the public would continue to reject such political tactics and reaffirm support for the BJP going forward. The exchange signals an early sharpening of political rhetoric ahead of future electoral cycles in Rajasthan.