Gehlot attacks CM over graft and lawlessness; BJP hits back

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday attacked chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for the “widespread lawlessness” and corruption in the state and urged him to get factual reports from his own intelligence agencies to understand the real condition of Rajasthan.

- HT Correspondent

In response, the BJP slammed the previous government of the sand mafia in the state and “imposing this reign of terror” on residents.

Speaking at the state Congress headquarters after paying tribute to former chief Dr Girija Vyas, Gehlot said, “Bhajan Lal suits all of us. Why would we oppose him? We want him to deliver good governance. But it’s now his responsibility to prove that.” Taking a dig at the BJP-led government, Gehlot advised the CM to get factual reports from his own intelligence agencies to understand the real condition of Rajasthan.

The Congress veteran's comments, though framed diplomatically, pointed toward rising dissatisfaction with governance, law and order, and public grievances — issues the Opposition has been persistently raising.

“There is no one to listen.

Corruption is so rampant that the ruling party's much hyped slogan of chaal, charitra, chehra (conduct, character, image) stands completely exposed in the public eye. The BJP once claimed to be different from Congress, but today the ground reality tells a different story. People are deeply troubled, and the chief minister should utilise his intelligence branch to conduct a discreet statewide review.”