Rajasthan Industry and Sports Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has launched a strong attack against the Opposition Congress, questioning the party's language and political tactics. Responding to recent comments made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rathore stated that while Kharge may have had a fine upbringing, he appears to have fallen into bad company. He asserted that this influence has led to the use of objectionable political rhetoric. Rathore also accused the Congress party of operating under double standards, claiming that whenever Congress takes a decision it labels it as policy, but when the ruling party executes similar administrative actions, Congress dismisses it as political maneuvering.
Objections to Political Rhetoric and Double Standards
Addressing the ongoing political discourse, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted what he described as a decline in political decorum among senior opposition leaders. He emphasized that the language directed at the Prime Minister of the country must maintain high standards of respect and civility. Rathore maintained that political debate should focus on constructive issues rather than personal attacks or derogatory remarks.
He further elaborated on the alleged inconsistency in the opposition’s approach. According to Rathore, Congress routinely justifies its own past administrative actions while attempting to discredit current government initiatives. He claimed this selective criticism stems from political frustration as the governing party continues to implement key policy measures for public welfare.
Clarification on SIR Voter Revision and Historical Precedents
Focusing on the controversy surrounding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Rathore targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He remarked that Rahul Gandhi's statements demonstrate a lack of thorough study regarding historical administrative procedures. Rathore pointed out that voter list revisions are standard operational exercises that have taken place multiple times in India's electoral history to maintain clean and accurate voter rolls.
To support his argument, Rathore cited the electoral roll revision conducted in 2013 under the previous administration. He recalled that during the 2013 SIR process, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal had publicly acknowledged the removal of approximately 13 lakh invalid or duplicate names from the voter registry in Delhi, calling the step necessary and fully justified. Rathore questioned why Congress now raises doubts over the very same process being carried out in accordance with established election guidelines.
Institutional Trust and the EVM Controversy
Rathore accused the opposition of operating as part of a coordinated toolkit aimed at weakening public trust in independent national institutions. He emphasized that organizations like the Indian Army and the Election Commission of India enjoy widespread respect and trust across the nation. However, he alleged that Congress attempts to undermine the credibility of these key institutions for short-term political gains.
On the topic of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Rathore reminded that EVMs were originally introduced during the tenure of the Congress government. He observed that opposition parties raise no concerns when electoral outcomes favor them, but immediately begin questioning the integrity of voting machines following electoral defeats. He characterized these allegations as misleading propaganda that harms the democratic framework of the country.
Gen Z Movement and Youth Engagement
Commenting on contemporary youth issues and the Gen Z movement, Rathore warned against using youth aspirations for political relaunch campaigns. He criticized efforts to piggyback on genuine youth issues to further individual political careers, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration is actively working to secure a productive future for young citizens.
Rathore emphasized that today's youth are well-connected through social media and global digital channels, making them highly aware and resistant to political manipulation. He remarked that political leaders should engage with the public through appropriate, responsible platforms rather than resorting to street-level rhetoric aimed at capturing quick attention.
IT Capabilities and Roadmap for the 2036 Olympics
Reflecting on personal principles, Rathore noted that achieving major national goals requires commitment and a readiness to make sacrifices in the nation's interest. He expressed strong confidence in India's technology sector, highlighting that domestic IT firms possess immense capability and are receiving unprecedented opportunities under the current central leadership.
As Rajasthan's Sports Minister, Rathore outlined long-term plans to nurture athletic talent in the state. Using the analogy of planting seeds to grow trees that eventually bear fruit, he explained that sustainable sporting success requires immediate foundational work. He announced that Rajasthan has already initiated preparations to identify, train, and support athletes specifically targeted for the 2036 Olympic Games, laying down a structured development framework to ensure strong performance on the international stage.
