Jodhpur, Nov 25: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asserted on Saturday that there is no anti-incumbency against the Congress, expressing confidence that the party will form the government in the state once again. Speaking in Jodhpur, Gehlot noted a discernible undercurrent, suggesting a favorable outcome for the Congress in the elections.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Congress focused its campaign on development issues, in contrast to BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, who employed provocative language. Gehlot remarked that leaders from the BJP attempted to instigate the public, but it seems that the people have understood, and the Congress government is likely to be re-elected.
“We made good laws for the welfare of gig workers and on the right to health and brought schemes for people and gave guarantees,” Gehlot said, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the welfare of the citizens. The Congress has laid out seven guarantees, including an annual honorarium of Rs 10,000 to the woman head of a family and LPG cylinders for Rs 500 to 1.05 crore families.
Drawing parallels with Kerala, Gehlot pointed out that the government there was re-elected based on its effective management of the coronavirus pandemic. In Rajasthan, too, the Congress government has performed admirably on this front.
Addressing the BJP’s targeting of him over various issues, including the “red diary,” Gehlot stated that BJP leaders are upset because they could not topple his government despite engaging in horse-trading. He expressed concern over the BJP’s methods, emphasizing that the language used by BJP leaders was unacceptable.
“They were talking provocatively. We challenged them to talk on local issues, talk on our schemes,” he said.
Responding to a query about his role as Chief Minister if the Congress forms the government again, Gehlot highlighted the Congress tradition of sending observers to gather the opinion of MLAs. A resolution is then passed, leaving the decision to the high command, and Gehlot affirmed that the decision of the high command is acceptable to all.
As polling began for the 199 assembly seats in Rajasthan, Gehlot’s remarks reflect the confidence of the Congress in defying the state’s anti-incumbency tradition and securing victory once again. The election in Karanpur of Sriganganagar district was postponed following the death of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.
