Jaipur, Dec 23 (NationPress) In the midst of the heated debate surrounding the Aravalli range, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has fired back at the Congress party, accusing them of hypocrisy and disseminating misinformation to mislead the public.

Addressing the claims of 'plundering' the Aravallis, the Chief Minister challenged the Congress leadership's own history, asserting that they lack the moral ground to criticize others on the issue of environmental conservation.

CM Sharma stated, “I would like to ask the Congress — what are these statements about the Aravalli range? Before they criticize us, they should reflect on their own actions and record.”

Taking a direct jab at former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, he remarked, “Gehlot, you should review your own past actions.”

The Chief Minister reminded that significant decisions concerning the Aravalli range were made during the tenure of Congress governments.

“What definitions did you establish in 2002 and 2003? What revisions occurred in 2009 and 2010? The Congress must first respond to these inquiries,” Sharma said, implying that the current uproar stems from Congress's attempts to distract from their own historical choices.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual value of the region, CM Sharma noted, “We are devotees of Giriraj ji, and we honor Giriraj ji. Our government acknowledges the ecological, spiritual, and cultural significance of the Aravalli range. There’s no cause for concern.”

He affirmed that the BJP government is entirely dedicated to safeguarding nature and heritage.

Recalling previous protests, Sharma pointed out that saints and sages had conducted a 551-day protest to preserve the Aravallis, including the respected saint Vijayadas Baba, who later passed away.

“Where was the Congress government during that time? They did nothing to address the protesters' concerns,” he charged.

The Chief Minister also referenced the 2005 Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama route issue, stating that when mining activities jeopardized the sacred pathway, protests ensued, leading to the cancellation of mining leases.

“This clearly demonstrates our commitment,” he stated.

In a decisive message, CM Sharma declared, “Let me be clear — there will be no tampering with the Aravalli range in any way.”

He accused Congress leaders of resorting to “lies and rumors” because they have lost public support.

“They have nothing left to stand on, so they are trying to mislead the populace through fear tactics,” he added.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government's unwavering stance on environmental protection, urging citizens not to succumb to what he termed Congress's “politics of deception.”