The occasion was the launch of Gehlot's flagship 'Rajasthan Mission 2030' on August 23. Gehlot was interacting with college students, a majority of them girls, from different parts of the state via videoconferencing from Jaipur's Birla Auditorium. He was seeking suggestions on what to include in the Mission 2030 document.
The chief minister had only just resumed his public outreach activities; he had fractured the toes of both his feet. He spoke like a doting elder to the girls, encouraging them to speak up and asking them questions about their studies and families. He noted down their suggestions himself. When a girl from Udaipur suggested that her college should start offering postgraduate courses, he promised her it would be done and did so that very day.
Over the past several months, Gehlot has had many such interactions with students, farmers, women, businessmen-as part of a massive public outreach exercise based on his government's welfare schemes. That August 23 evening, Gehlot laughed off a question from THE WEEK on whether the Mission 2030 initiative-the stated aim of which is to find ways to make Rajasthan the most developed state by 2030-was also meant to convey to his opponents, both within and outside the Congress, that he was here to stay. But it was clear then as it is clear now that the 72-year-old leader intends to stay on. He is putting his best foot forward as he attempts to do what he has failed to do in his previous two stints at the helm-win the Assembly election as an incumbent.
The magician-turned-politician is hoping that the relentless flurry of welfare measures and promises unleashed by him will do the trick and halt the revolving door politics of the state.
This story is from the November 19, 2023 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 19, 2023 edition of THE WEEK India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Indira's Bang
How Indira Gandhi secured the borders, ended food import, before going for the test
Who's Afraid Of A New Nuclear Doctrine?
It has been 50 years since Pokhran I. With its capabilities increasing and global power equations changing, does India need to look at reviewing its nuclear doctrine?
I don't think things will change because of the win
When independent filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light scripted history by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it was not just a proud moment for the film's team, but also a triumph for the collective aspirations of women across the country.
Sid for kids
As a child, Sidhartha Mallya wished he had someone in his life to tell him what he wants to convey in his latest children's book, Sad Glad
Ready to roll
Following the Pokhran tests, India has operationalised a credible deterrent that the nation should be proud of
Breaking nuclear apartheid
How India protected its ability to move ahead with the nuclear weapons programme despite not signing the NPT
Power point
The Pokhran tests launched India's march towards being a full partner and participant in the global nuclear order
Shock and awe
India’s comprehensive capability in the nuclear domain is the result of its autonomous pursuit of the atomic programme against all odds
Spied on none, stole from none
A senior scientist during the Pokhran test in 1974 and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission during the tests in 1998, Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram has been a key figure in the Indian nuclear journey.
Leader with a difference
ARVIND KEJRIWAL'S RETURN TO JAIL APPEARS IMMINENT. BUT HIS BLISTERING POLL CAMPAIGN MAY HAVE BRIGHTENED INDIA BLOC’S PROSPECTS
