25-11-2023 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot exuded confidence on Saturday, asserting that there is no anti-incumbency against the Congress, and the party is poised to form the government in the state once again. As voting commenced in Rajasthan, Gehlot expressed his belief in the undercurrents favoring the Congress government’s re-election.
Addressing the media in Jodhpur, Gehlot highlighted the Congress’s campaign focus on developmental issues. In contrast, he criticized BJP leaders, including the prime minister, home minister, and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, for using provocative language during their campaigning. He specifically pointed out that leaders from outside, including the prime minister and the Union home minister, attempted to instigate the public.
Gehlot emphasized the positive initiatives undertaken by the Congress government, such as legislations for the welfare of gig workers and the right to health. He also mentioned the party’s guarantees to the people, including an annual honorarium for the woman head of a family and subsidized LPG cylinders.
Drawing parallels with Kerala, Gehlot asserted that the Congress government’s effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rajasthan would contribute to its re-election. Responding to questions about the BJP targeting him, especially regarding the “red diary” controversy, Gehlot stated that BJP leaders were upset over their inability to topple his government through horse-trading.
Expressing concern over the BJP’s tactics to bring down elected governments, Gehlot highlighted the resilience of his government and the public’s support. He criticized the provocative language used by BJP leaders and challenged them to focus on local issues and the Congress’s schemes.
When questioned about his potential role if the Congress secures power again, Gehlot reiterated the Congress tradition of AICC sending observers to take the opinion of MLAs, and decisions being left to the high command. He emphasized that all leaders in the Congress were united.
Later, after casting his vote in Jodhpur, Gehlot affirmed the credibility of his government, expressing confidence in its repetition. He predicted that BJP leaders who campaigned in Rajasthan would not be seen in the state for the next five years.
Gehlot’s son, Vaibhav Gehlot, the president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, supported the seven guarantees promised by the Congress, considering them a masterstroke. He dismissed allegations against his father regarding the “red diary” as fabricated.
As polling began for the 199 assembly seats in Rajasthan, both the Congress and the BJP are actively engaged in the electoral battleground, with the BJP aiming to break the state’s tradition of anti-incumbency, while the Congress seeks to retain its stronghold.