Amidst the ongoing local body elections, political tensions in Rajasthan have once again escalated into a sharp war of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress. Addressing a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, former leader of the opposition Rajendra Rathore launched a scathing counterattack against statements made by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra, and former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. Rathore strongly dismissed Gehlot demand for a two-and-a-half-year report card from the government, stating that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has already presented a comprehensive account of the administration work inside the assembly.
Rathore accused the Congress party of fleeing the assembly and attempting to dodge a debate when the government report card was being discussed on the floor of the house. He maintained that the government presents an account of its performance to the public every single year. During the press briefing, he also cornered the Congress over the concept of One State, One Election, simultaneous polls across 309 local bodies, sanitation worker recruitment drives, and remarks made regarding the Chief Minister.
Rajendra Rathore Counters Ashok Gehlot on Report Card Demands
Reacting to Ashok Gehlot queries, Rajendra Rathore stated that the former Chief Minister has perhaps forgotten that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma already placed a detailed ledger of the government two-and-a-half years of performance before the house during his budget reply. According to Rathore, the Chief Minister had provided the opposition with ample opportunity to debate the administration achievements, but the Congress legislators chose to walk out of the house. Rathore alleged that Congress is shying away from a debate on the government scorecard because the BJP administration places its audited performance directly in front of citizens annually. He added that the state welfare schemes and achievements are fully in the public domain, allowing citizens to judge them independently.
Defending One State, One Election Amid Horse Trading Concerns
Addressing concerns regarding potential horse-trading during local body elections, Rathore asserted that the BJP philosophy and administrative vision are firmly anchored in the One State, One Election framework. He explained that recurring elections and the repeated imposition of code of conduct inflate government expenditure and disrupt ongoing developmental projects. To curb this, the government is moving forward with the objective of conducting simultaneous polls. Rathore claimed that for the first time in Rajasthan, elections are being held across 309 local bodies simultaneously. Calling it a major achievement, he stated that Rajasthan is the pioneering state in the country to genuinely advance the concept of One State, One Election.
Govind Singh Dotasra Remarks and Sanitation Worker Recruitment
Rathore also brought up an earlier remark made by state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, recalling how Dotasra had once claimed inside the assembly that even his uncle could not manage simultaneous elections. Mocking this stance, Rathore pointed out that the very same Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma is now successfully conducting simultaneous local body elections across Rajasthan. Rathore remarked that Dotasra should continue to remember the Chief Minister in the role of his uncle. Shifting focus to employment, he mentioned the upcoming recruitment drive for over 24,000 sanitation workers scheduled for September 25. Rathore accused the previous Congress government of playing a cruel joke on sanitation workers, pointing out that the prior administration announced recruitments merely three days before the model code of conduct came into effect, leaving aspirants stranded.
Regret Over Pratap Singh Khachariyawas Language and Political Decorum
Rathore expressed deep regret over statements directed at Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma by former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. Highlighting Khachariyawas family and political background, including his historical ties to former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Rathore said such language was unexpected from someone of his stature. Rathore emphasized that a Chief Minister is not merely an individual but an institution, meaning that political differences should not compromise the sanctity of public decorum. He termed Khachariyawas remarks as unfortunate regarding Rajasthan political traditions and public ethics. BJP state spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj was also present during the press conference.
