Ashok Gehlot cannot move beyond Sachin Pilot: Rajasthan CM

Jaipur, June 6 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday took a sharp dig at former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saying the senior Congress leader's comments often reflect his preoccupation with Sachin Pilot.

The remarks came in response to Gehlot’s recent statement regarding the Manesar incident, in which he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of horse-trading to topple his government during his last tenure.

Sharma was on a two-day visit to Bhilwara, with Saturday marking the second and final day of his tour. During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with villagers, listened to their grievances, announced several development initiatives for the region, and responded to recent remarks made by Gehlot.

Speaking to the media in the morning, Sharma took a swipe at Gehlot over his comments concerning Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He remarked that Gehlot shares a particularly close political association with Sachin Pilot and that many of his statements appear to be made in that context. While describing it as an internal matter of the Congress party, Sharma suggested that Gehlot frequently returns to targeting Pilot in his public remarks.

After spending the night at Shivraj Pipada's residence, the Chief Minister began his day at 5:00 a.m., amid extensive security arrangements.

At 6:00 a.m., he went for a morning walk in Khari Ka Lamba village in the Gulabpura subdivision. Following a visit to a local temple, he interacted with residents and heard their concerns. During the interaction, villagers expressed appreciation for the state government's initiatives and ongoing development efforts.

Among those who met the Chief Minister was 107-year-old Kanku Devi, wife of Phoolchand. Blessing the Chief Minister, she remarked that she had witnessed such a government for the first time.

She encouraged him to continue engaging in charitable and welfare-oriented work and to extend assistance wherever needed. In response, the Chief Minister warmly interacted with her and inquired whether she was receiving her pension benefits regularly.

Chief Minister Sharma announced several development initiatives for the Gram Panchayat, including the establishment of a Primary Health Centre (PHC), construction of a sports stadium, development of a Krishi Bhavan (Agriculture Building), introduction of Commerce and Science streams at the government school, and immediate removal of encroachments and obstructions in the water catchment area of Dharmi Pond.

Addressing villagers, the Chief Minister emphasised that the development of the state and the nation begins at the village level. He stated that villages can become self-reliant only when they are equipped with essential infrastructure and services.

Ensuring that rural residents benefit from all government welfare schemes remains a key priority. Sharma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both Central and State Government schemes are being implemented effectively on the ground, thereby empowering rural communities.

On Friday evening, Chief Minister Sharma participated in a Ratri Chaupal (night community gathering) in Khari Ka Lamba village.

The event showcased the government's emphasis on direct public engagement and grassroots governance. During the gathering, the Chief Minister interacted extensively with women, farmers, and local residents to understand on-ground challenges and assess the impact of government schemes. Discussions focused on rural development, women's empowerment, and agricultural concerns.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, along with local legislators and organisational office-bearers from Bhilwara and neighbouring districts, attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sharma also criticised the opposition, highlighting the Central Government’s initiatives for women's empowerment. He referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33 pc reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, and questioned the opposition's stance on the legislation.

The Chief Minister further targeted the Congress party on corruption, stating that welfare funds often failed to reach intended beneficiaries in the past.

He credited the Modi government's Jan Dhan Yojana and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system with eliminating leakages and ensuring that benefits are transferred directly to citizens without intermediaries.

He asserted that these reforms have effectively ended the “cut-money” culture and improved transparency and accountability in welfare delivery.