News Analysis India

Tag: ashok gehlot

  • Public rebuke? Rahul Gandhi drops ‘one man, one post’ hint for Gehlot

    By PTI

    KOCHI: With the Congress presidential polls round the corner, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said decisions, including that of one-man, one-post, taken at the chintan shivir at Udaipur in Rajasthan earlier this year are expected to be followed.

    Responding to queries during a press conference held between the first and second leg of the day’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said the Congress president was not just an organisational position, it is an ideological post and a belief system.

    “What we decided at Udaipur, we expect that commitment to be maintained,” Gandhi said on being asked whether he would stand by the Udaipur chintan shivir decision on one-man, one-post.

    ALSO READ | Flowing with the river: Reflections from the Yatra

    Gandhi, also the MP from Wayanad, said he would advise whosoever becomes the president of the party that they should remember that the post represents a set of ideas, a belief system and a vision of India.

    Another piece of advice he had for the contestants in the party’s presidential polls was that “you are taking a historic position. A position that defines and has defined a particular view of India.”

    On the nationwide raids on the offices and other premises of the Popular Front of India (PFI), Gandhi said that “all forms of communalism regardless where they come from should be combated.”

    “There should be zero tolerance towards communalism and it should be combated,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot arrived in Kerala amidst speculation as to who all would be contesting the party’s presidential polls.

    KOCHI: With the Congress presidential polls round the corner, party leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said decisions, including that of one-man, one-post, taken at the chintan shivir at Udaipur in Rajasthan earlier this year are expected to be followed.

    Responding to queries during a press conference held between the first and second leg of the day’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said the Congress president was not just an organisational position, it is an ideological post and a belief system.

    “What we decided at Udaipur, we expect that commitment to be maintained,” Gandhi said on being asked whether he would stand by the Udaipur chintan shivir decision on one-man, one-post.

    ALSO READ | Flowing with the river: Reflections from the Yatra

    Gandhi, also the MP from Wayanad, said he would advise whosoever becomes the president of the party that they should remember that the post represents a set of ideas, a belief system and a vision of India.

    Another piece of advice he had for the contestants in the party’s presidential polls was that “you are taking a historic position. A position that defines and has defined a particular view of India.”

    On the nationwide raids on the offices and other premises of the Popular Front of India (PFI), Gandhi said that “all forms of communalism regardless where they come from should be combated.”

    “There should be zero tolerance towards communalism and it should be combated,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot arrived in Kerala amidst speculation as to who all would be contesting the party’s presidential polls.

  • Ahead of Delhi visit, Rajasthan CM Gehlot summons meeting of Congress MLAs

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called a meeting of Congress MLAs on Tuesday night, a sudden move ahead of his Delhi visit amid speculation that he may contest for the post of party president.

    The Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled to begin at the CM’s residence at 10 pm, after dinner being hosted there for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, ruling party sources said.

    Some party leaders say the meeting is merely meant to discuss the ongoing assembly session. Gehlot will leave for Delhi on Wednesday.

    He may then proceed to Kochi to participate in the party’s Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

    ALSO READ | It will be Gehlot versus Tharoor for Congress top post

    The process of filing nominations for the organisational elections in the Congress begins on September 24 and will end on September 30, and Gehlot is increasingly being seen as a top contender for the post of the party’s national president.

    The Rajasthan CM, however, has so far denied that he is a candidate and said he will try to convince Rahul Gandhi to contest.

    The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has taken the lead in passing a resolution backing Gandhi for the post, triggering similar expressions of support from the party units in several other states.

    Shashi Tharoor looks set to contest the election for the party’s top post. Tharoor met party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday and expressed his intention to contest the polls.

    The Congress president is learnt to have conveyed to Tharoor that she would stay “neutral” in the elections.

    Gehlot is considered a candidate favoured by the party’s top leadership, according to some sources.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17.

    The results will be out on October 19.

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called a meeting of Congress MLAs on Tuesday night, a sudden move ahead of his Delhi visit amid speculation that he may contest for the post of party president.

    The Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled to begin at the CM’s residence at 10 pm, after dinner being hosted there for Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, ruling party sources said.

    Some party leaders say the meeting is merely meant to discuss the ongoing assembly session. Gehlot will leave for Delhi on Wednesday.

    He may then proceed to Kochi to participate in the party’s Kanyakumari to Kashmir Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi.

    ALSO READ | It will be Gehlot versus Tharoor for Congress top post

    The process of filing nominations for the organisational elections in the Congress begins on September 24 and will end on September 30, and Gehlot is increasingly being seen as a top contender for the post of the party’s national president.

    The Rajasthan CM, however, has so far denied that he is a candidate and said he will try to convince Rahul Gandhi to contest.

    The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee has taken the lead in passing a resolution backing Gandhi for the post, triggering similar expressions of support from the party units in several other states.

    Shashi Tharoor looks set to contest the election for the party’s top post. Tharoor met party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday and expressed his intention to contest the polls.

    The Congress president is learnt to have conveyed to Tharoor that she would stay “neutral” in the elections.

    Gehlot is considered a candidate favoured by the party’s top leadership, according to some sources.

    The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17.

    The results will be out on October 19.

  • ‘Elections not held in BJP, its leaders only wear mask of democracy’: Gehlot

    Gehlot, who is in the national capital for the 'Mehngai par halla bol' rally at the Ramlila Maidan here on Sunday, also called on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.

  • ‘Modi-Modi’ chanted during Gehlot’s visit to Ramdevra temple, BJP mocks Rajasthan CM

    By PTI

    JAISALMER: A group of devotees raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was visiting the Ramdevra temple in Jaisalmer on Friday.

    A video of the incident was shared by BJP leaders including Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and party’s state president Satish Poonia.

    Gehlot entered the temple premises from the VIP route and was walking towards the Samadhi area to offer prayers when some of the devotees who were standing in zig-zag lines shouted ‘Modi-Modi’.

    The chief minister also waved at them.

    “Gehlot ji who reached Ramdevra was welcomed with slogans in the name of our respected Prime Minister! Devotees were expressing their choice by raising slogans and Gehlot ji was accepting the greetings by waving hands,” Shekhawat tweeted.

    Poonia described the “welcome” of Chief Minister Gehlot with the slogans of ‘Modi-Modi’ as “trends for 2023 and 2024 elections”.

    Assembly elections in the state are due later next year.

    An eyewitness told PTI that some of the devotees standing in queues raised ‘Ashok Gehlot Zindabad’ (Long Live Gehlot) slogan when the chief minister reached there and was interacting with them while walking.

    In response, another group of devotees from behind shouted ‘Modi-Modi’.

    Gehlot moved ahead and waved.

    He offered prayers at the temple of local deity Baba Ramdev and prayed for the prosperity of the state, an official said.

    Gehlot reached the Ramdevra village in a helicopter and performed the prayers, they said.

    The village is currently hosting its annual ‘Ramdevra fair’ which is being attended by lakhs of devotees.

    During the chief minister’s visit, head priest Kamal Chhangani, Superintendent of Police Bhanwar Singh Nathawat, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Vishnoi and others were also present with him.

    The fair commenced on August 29 and will continue till September 13.

    After Ramdevra, the chief minister reached Bhatiyana sub-division and laid the foundation stone for various development works worth Rs 50 crore.

    Speaking at the function, he said Rajasthan’s health and agriculture model has been appreciated across the country and infrastructure has been strengthened.

    The chief minister said the state government is committed to complete Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

    JAISALMER: A group of devotees raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was visiting the Ramdevra temple in Jaisalmer on Friday.

    A video of the incident was shared by BJP leaders including Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and party’s state president Satish Poonia.

    Gehlot entered the temple premises from the VIP route and was walking towards the Samadhi area to offer prayers when some of the devotees who were standing in zig-zag lines shouted ‘Modi-Modi’.

    The chief minister also waved at them.

    “Gehlot ji who reached Ramdevra was welcomed with slogans in the name of our respected Prime Minister! Devotees were expressing their choice by raising slogans and Gehlot ji was accepting the greetings by waving hands,” Shekhawat tweeted.

    Poonia described the “welcome” of Chief Minister Gehlot with the slogans of ‘Modi-Modi’ as “trends for 2023 and 2024 elections”.

    Assembly elections in the state are due later next year.

    An eyewitness told PTI that some of the devotees standing in queues raised ‘Ashok Gehlot Zindabad’ (Long Live Gehlot) slogan when the chief minister reached there and was interacting with them while walking.

    In response, another group of devotees from behind shouted ‘Modi-Modi’.

    Gehlot moved ahead and waved.

    He offered prayers at the temple of local deity Baba Ramdev and prayed for the prosperity of the state, an official said.

    Gehlot reached the Ramdevra village in a helicopter and performed the prayers, they said.

    The village is currently hosting its annual ‘Ramdevra fair’ which is being attended by lakhs of devotees.

    During the chief minister’s visit, head priest Kamal Chhangani, Superintendent of Police Bhanwar Singh Nathawat, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Vishnoi and others were also present with him.

    The fair commenced on August 29 and will continue till September 13.

    After Ramdevra, the chief minister reached Bhatiyana sub-division and laid the foundation stone for various development works worth Rs 50 crore.

    Speaking at the function, he said Rajasthan’s health and agriculture model has been appreciated across the country and infrastructure has been strengthened.

    The chief minister said the state government is committed to complete Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).

  • Speculation over new role for Gehlot: Rajastha Congress leaders will follow high command directions, says Pilot

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Amid reports that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has emerged as the top choice for the Congress president’s post, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday said all party leaders will follow whatever directions they get from the high command.

    “As someone has said earlier, in politics, what we see does not happen and what we don’t, happens. We should wait,” Pilot said, adding that the election dates have been announced and the results will there for everyone to see.

    “I say this for myself and others, whatever the directions of the party, we have done it with dedication and honesty and all leaders from Rajasthan have said that whatever the party high-command tells, we will do that,” Pilot told reporters at his residence here.

    He was responding to a question about Gehlot’s name doing the rounds for the Congress president’s post.

    Pilot said the Congress party follows a democratic process to elect its president and asked the BJP to reveal how its president is elected and who are the voters.

    Meanwhile, Gehlot has downplayed the reports about him being the frontrunner for the Congress president’s post and said efforts will be made till the last minute to persuade Rahul Gandhi to take over the reins of the party again.

    Rahul Gandhi had resigned as Congress president after the party suffered its second consecutive defeat in the 2019 parliamentary elections.

    Sonia Gandhi who took over the reins of the party again as interim president had also offered to quit in August 2020 after an open revolt by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue.

    Election for the post of Congress president is scheduled on October 17 and the result will be declared on October 19.

    Pilot also raised questions on the defeat of NSUI candidates in the recently held elections of students’ unions in universities and colleges.

    “NSUI did not have much success and we should be worried about that as youths form a large chunk of voters. The reasons should be looked into. Whether it was about candidate selection or how the performance of the government was publicised,” he said.

    He said that the party and the government should work in accordance with the aspirations of the youth.

    On Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Jodhpur next month, Pilot said he should announce a national project status for Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project which is important for addressing the water needs in 13 districts of the state.

    Attacking the BJP on inflation, unemployment and farmers’ issues, Pilot said people are troubled and suffering but the government is downplaying the real issues and indulging in politics of religion and caste.

    He said the Congress will raise the issue of inflation at the ‘Halla Bol’ rally in Delhi on September 4, which will be a “historic rally”.

    Pilot said issues of corruption and threats to democratic institutions will be raised during the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir starting September 7.

    JAIPUR: Amid reports that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has emerged as the top choice for the Congress president’s post, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Wednesday said all party leaders will follow whatever directions they get from the high command.

    “As someone has said earlier, in politics, what we see does not happen and what we don’t, happens. We should wait,” Pilot said, adding that the election dates have been announced and the results will there for everyone to see.

    “I say this for myself and others, whatever the directions of the party, we have done it with dedication and honesty and all leaders from Rajasthan have said that whatever the party high-command tells, we will do that,” Pilot told reporters at his residence here.

    He was responding to a question about Gehlot’s name doing the rounds for the Congress president’s post.

    Pilot said the Congress party follows a democratic process to elect its president and asked the BJP to reveal how its president is elected and who are the voters.

    Meanwhile, Gehlot has downplayed the reports about him being the frontrunner for the Congress president’s post and said efforts will be made till the last minute to persuade Rahul Gandhi to take over the reins of the party again.

    Rahul Gandhi had resigned as Congress president after the party suffered its second consecutive defeat in the 2019 parliamentary elections.

    Sonia Gandhi who took over the reins of the party again as interim president had also offered to quit in August 2020 after an open revolt by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue.

    Election for the post of Congress president is scheduled on October 17 and the result will be declared on October 19.

    Pilot also raised questions on the defeat of NSUI candidates in the recently held elections of students’ unions in universities and colleges.

    “NSUI did not have much success and we should be worried about that as youths form a large chunk of voters. The reasons should be looked into. Whether it was about candidate selection or how the performance of the government was publicised,” he said.

    He said that the party and the government should work in accordance with the aspirations of the youth.

    On Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Jodhpur next month, Pilot said he should announce a national project status for Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project which is important for addressing the water needs in 13 districts of the state.

    Attacking the BJP on inflation, unemployment and farmers’ issues, Pilot said people are troubled and suffering but the government is downplaying the real issues and indulging in politics of religion and caste.

    He said the Congress will raise the issue of inflation at the ‘Halla Bol’ rally in Delhi on September 4, which will be a “historic rally”.

    Pilot said issues of corruption and threats to democratic institutions will be raised during the Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir starting September 7.

  • Rajasthan: Former minister questions deputation of veterinary staff to Jodhpur amid lumpy skin disease outbreak

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma on Sunday cornered his party’s own government in the state over arrangements to tackle lumpy skin disease, saying veterinary staff from his constituency was sent on deputation to Jodhpur while cattle died there.

    Sharma is a Congress MLA from Ajmer’s Kekri constituency while Jodhpur is the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

    Sharma made the remarks during a video conference of the chief minister with public representatives, cattle owners and gaushala caretakers.

    Talking to state Animal Husbandry Minister Lal Chand Kataria, Sharma said this has sent a wrong message against both the CM and the government.

    “Veterinary staff has been sent to another place. People are troubled here. When there is no manpower, cows are dying. Now, you also know where the veterinary staff has been sent,” he said.

    When the minister interrupted him, he said, “You listen to me Katariaji. All have been shifted to Jodhpur. The minister assured that the staff which was sent on deputation will be joining back.”

    JAIPUR: Former Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma on Sunday cornered his party’s own government in the state over arrangements to tackle lumpy skin disease, saying veterinary staff from his constituency was sent on deputation to Jodhpur while cattle died there.

    Sharma is a Congress MLA from Ajmer’s Kekri constituency while Jodhpur is the hometown of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

    Sharma made the remarks during a video conference of the chief minister with public representatives, cattle owners and gaushala caretakers.

    Talking to state Animal Husbandry Minister Lal Chand Kataria, Sharma said this has sent a wrong message against both the CM and the government.

    “Veterinary staff has been sent to another place. People are troubled here. When there is no manpower, cows are dying. Now, you also know where the veterinary staff has been sent,” he said.

    When the minister interrupted him, he said, “You listen to me Katariaji. All have been shifted to Jodhpur. The minister assured that the staff which was sent on deputation will be joining back.”

  • Lobbies, favourite names do rounds as Congress set to elect president

    By Express News Service

    As it becomes clear that a non-Gandhi will lead the Congress, intense lobbying has begun for the top job with several names doing rounds amid reports that the elections may be pushed back from scheduled dates.

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that he is not ready to lead the party and that has brought in the names of several senior party leaders as probable for the top post. Sonia Gandhi has said that she can’t continue due to her health and there is the possibility that someone from outside the Gandhi family will be given the responsibility.

    While the name of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is doing rounds after he met Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday and that he was asked to take up the responsibility. He has denied it and sources said that he would not easily agree to it keeping in mind that the elections are due in Rajasthan next year.

    Senior party leaders such as Ambika Soni, Mukul Wasnik, Meira Kumar, Sushil Kumar Shinde and Kamal Nath are among other prominent names in the fray for the top post. However, there is yet to be a consensus on who can lead the party keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 

    The party is witnessing an interesting powerplay as the deadline for conducting organisational elections for the post president is drawing near. the party is witnessing groups of sorts over the issue, with several camps lobbying for their leaders.

    There is said to be a Rahul camp comprising Rahul loyalists. there is also said to be a Priyanka camp of those who believe that she is cut out for the job, and also an anti-Rahul camp is being rumoured to be active. Leaders who do not approve of the adhocism in the party are watching closely whether there is an attempt to select a puppet for the post of the party president. In case a non-Gandhi but a Gandhi Yes-man/woman is pitched for the post, there could be a contest on the cards with others throwing their hat in the ring.

    Congress leaders say that the date could be stretched by a couple of days but it is unlikely that there would be another long extension to the poll dates. So, if nobody comes up to file the nomination for the party president’s post, could the status quo prevail?

    Rahul not ready to lead the party

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that he is not ready to lead the party and that has brought in the names of several senior party leaders as probables for the top post. Sonia Gandhi has said that she can’t continue due to her health.

    As it becomes clear that a non-Gandhi will lead the Congress, intense lobbying has begun for the top job with several names doing rounds amid reports that the elections may be pushed back from scheduled dates.

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that he is not ready to lead the party and that has brought in the names of several senior party leaders as probable for the top post. Sonia Gandhi has said that she can’t continue due to her health and there is the possibility that someone from outside the Gandhi family will be given the responsibility.

    While the name of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is doing rounds after he met Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday and that he was asked to take up the responsibility. He has denied it and sources said that he would not easily agree to it keeping in mind that the elections are due in Rajasthan next year.

    Senior party leaders such as Ambika Soni, Mukul Wasnik, Meira Kumar, Sushil Kumar Shinde and Kamal Nath are among other prominent names in the fray for the top post. However, there is yet to be a consensus on who can lead the party keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 

    The party is witnessing an interesting powerplay as the deadline for conducting organisational elections for the post president is drawing near. the party is witnessing groups of sorts over the issue, with several camps lobbying for their leaders.

    There is said to be a Rahul camp comprising Rahul loyalists. there is also said to be a Priyanka camp of those who believe that she is cut out for the job, and also an anti-Rahul camp is being rumoured to be active. Leaders who do not approve of the adhocism in the party are watching closely whether there is an attempt to select a puppet for the post of the party president. In case a non-Gandhi but a Gandhi Yes-man/woman is pitched for the post, there could be a contest on the cards with others throwing their hat in the ring.

    Congress leaders say that the date could be stretched by a couple of days but it is unlikely that there would be another long extension to the poll dates. So, if nobody comes up to file the nomination for the party president’s post, could the status quo prevail?

    Rahul not ready to lead the party

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that he is not ready to lead the party and that has brought in the names of several senior party leaders as probables for the top post. Sonia Gandhi has said that she can’t continue due to her health.

  • Rajasthan CM Gehlot orders survey to assess damage to crops due to rains

    By PTI

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday instructed officials to conduct a survey to assess the loss of property due to the heavy rainfall in Kota and neighbouring areas.

    Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, along with her son and Jhalawar-Baran MP Dushyant Singh, also conducted an aerial survey of flooded areas in Jhalawar, Kota and Baran districts.

    According to a government spokesperson, officials have been asked to assess the damage to crops in flood-affected areas in the state.

    Gehlot said the families of those who died due to floods will be compensated from State Disaster Response Fund.

    Many areas in Kota division and nearby areas have been flooded due to heavy rains in the last two days.

    JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday instructed officials to conduct a survey to assess the loss of property due to the heavy rainfall in Kota and neighbouring areas.

    Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje, along with her son and Jhalawar-Baran MP Dushyant Singh, also conducted an aerial survey of flooded areas in Jhalawar, Kota and Baran districts.

    According to a government spokesperson, officials have been asked to assess the damage to crops in flood-affected areas in the state.

    Gehlot said the families of those who died due to floods will be compensated from State Disaster Response Fund.

    Many areas in Kota division and nearby areas have been flooded due to heavy rains in the last two days.

  • ‘Rajasthan setting new records in crime against women, Dalits’: Shekhawat attacks Gehlot

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday hit out at Congress saying its government in Rajasthan was setting “new records” in crimes against women, atrocities against Dalits, and religious vandalism and questioned the silence of the party’s top leaders.

    Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, citing the National Crime Records Bureau data, said, “Today Rajasthan is at number one in the cases of rape in the country, second in terms of trafficking of minor girls.”

    Shekhawat, a senior BJP leader from Rajasthan, said Congress’ top leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra come to the state for vacation but never say anything about the deteriorating law and order situation there.

    “On August 15, when the country was celebrating Independence Day, a young man named Chiranjilal, who earned his livelihood by selling vegetables in a village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, was beaten to death by the members of Muslim community,” Shekhawat said.

    He said that in the last three years Rajasthan has set “new records in mob lynching, abuse against women, and crimes against the religion of a particular community.”

    “Where have Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and the champions of human rights been since such a big incident happened in Rajasthan?” he asked.

    Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who shed “crocodile tears” on incidents in Hathras and Unnao, should break their silence on the situation in Rajasthan too, Shekhawat said.

    NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday hit out at Congress saying its government in Rajasthan was setting “new records” in crimes against women, atrocities against Dalits, and religious vandalism and questioned the silence of the party’s top leaders.

    Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, citing the National Crime Records Bureau data, said, “Today Rajasthan is at number one in the cases of rape in the country, second in terms of trafficking of minor girls.”

    Shekhawat, a senior BJP leader from Rajasthan, said Congress’ top leaders such as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra come to the state for vacation but never say anything about the deteriorating law and order situation there.

    “On August 15, when the country was celebrating Independence Day, a young man named Chiranjilal, who earned his livelihood by selling vegetables in a village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, was beaten to death by the members of Muslim community,” Shekhawat said.

    He said that in the last three years Rajasthan has set “new records in mob lynching, abuse against women, and crimes against the religion of a particular community.”

    “Where have Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and the champions of human rights been since such a big incident happened in Rajasthan?” he asked.

    Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who shed “crocodile tears” on incidents in Hathras and Unnao, should break their silence on the situation in Rajasthan too, Shekhawat said.

  • Rajasthan Dalit boy death: Trouble in Congress ranks as 12 party councillors send resignation letters to Gehlot

    By PTI

    KOTA: Twelve Congress councillors in the Rajasthan’s Baran Municipal Council on Tuesday sent their resignation letters to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressing anguish over atrocities against the Dalits and backing party MLA Pana Chand Meghwal.

    The Baran-Atru MLA on Monday had sent his resignation letter to Gehlot, two days after the death of a nine-year-old Dalit boy who was allegedly beaten up by his schoolteacher for touching a drinking water pot in Jalore.

    Congress leader and former state deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Tuesday headed to Jalore to meet the victim’s family and said a strong message needs to be given to win the Dalit community’s trust.

    Meanwhile, backing the MLA’s move, 12 of the 25 Congress councillors in the Baran civic body expressed anguish over atrocities against the Dalits and deprived sections.

    ALSO READ | ‘Mere talk won’t help Dalits, action needed’: Sachin Pilot on Jalore student death

    Ward No.29 councillor Yogendra Mehta said they sent their resignation letters in support of the MLA and against the government’s failure to protect the Dalits.

    The other councillors who sent their resignation letters are Rohitashva Saxena, Rajaram Meena, Rekha Meena, Leeladhar Nagar, Hariraj Erwal, Piyush Soni, Urvashi Meghwal, Yashwant Yadav, Anwar Ali, Jyoti Jatav and Mayank Mathodia, he said.

    They will submit copies of their resignation letters to the Kota divisional commissioner on Wednesday, Mehta added.

    Meanwhile, the nominated councillor of the Kota’s Itawa civic body Suresh Mahawar also sent his resignation letter to the chief minister.

    Before heading to Jalore, Pilot said, “Such incidents need to be strongly condemned. We need to put a check on such incidents. Only laws, speeches and actions are not enough. We will have to give them a strong message that we are with them in order to instil trust in them.”

    The Congress leader condemned the politicisation of the issue, calling it inappropriate whether it is done by the BJP or his own party.

    ALSO READ | ‘Take strict action’: NCPCR to Gehlot government on Dalit boy beaten to death for touching water pot

    Meanwhile, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the Dalit boy.

    Dotasra along with Women and Child Welfare Minister Mamta Bhupesh, PWD Minister Bhajan Lal Jatav and Disaster Management and Relief Minister Govind Ram Meghwal visited the boy’s home at Surana village in Jalore.

    He said the financial assistance with be given by the party.

    Meanwhile, Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the victim’s family.

    Dotasra said that the amount will be given to the victim’s family by the party.

    The state Congress president, accompanied by Rajasthan ministers Mamta Bhupesh, Bhajan Lal Jatav, and Govind Ram Meghwal, visited the house of the victim in Surana village in Jalore.

    He expressed grief over the incident and assured the family all support on behalf of the party.

    Later, talking to reporters, Dotasra said the state unit of the party will give a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the boy’s family, in addition to Rs 5 lakh announced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot from the CM relief fund.

    “Our party president Sonia Gandhi and leader Rahul Gandhi have directed the leaders and MLAs to visit the family and do whatever can be done to assist the family,” he said.

    Dotasra said the matter will be investigated and a speedy trial will be held.

    He said that the education department has already served a notice to the private school, where the incident occurred, asking why should not the affiliation of the school be terminated.

    The Congress leader said that the family members had resentment against the local police due to a face-off in the village on Sunday and they have been assured that action against the guilty will be taken.

    He stated that one police constable was suspended on Tuesday.

    Nine-year-old Indra Kumar was beaten up allegedly for touching a drinking water pot in the school on July 20.

    He died during treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

    KOTA: Twelve Congress councillors in the Rajasthan’s Baran Municipal Council on Tuesday sent their resignation letters to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressing anguish over atrocities against the Dalits and backing party MLA Pana Chand Meghwal.

    The Baran-Atru MLA on Monday had sent his resignation letter to Gehlot, two days after the death of a nine-year-old Dalit boy who was allegedly beaten up by his schoolteacher for touching a drinking water pot in Jalore.

    Congress leader and former state deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Tuesday headed to Jalore to meet the victim’s family and said a strong message needs to be given to win the Dalit community’s trust.

    Meanwhile, backing the MLA’s move, 12 of the 25 Congress councillors in the Baran civic body expressed anguish over atrocities against the Dalits and deprived sections.

    ALSO READ | ‘Mere talk won’t help Dalits, action needed’: Sachin Pilot on Jalore student death

    Ward No.29 councillor Yogendra Mehta said they sent their resignation letters in support of the MLA and against the government’s failure to protect the Dalits.

    The other councillors who sent their resignation letters are Rohitashva Saxena, Rajaram Meena, Rekha Meena, Leeladhar Nagar, Hariraj Erwal, Piyush Soni, Urvashi Meghwal, Yashwant Yadav, Anwar Ali, Jyoti Jatav and Mayank Mathodia, he said.

    They will submit copies of their resignation letters to the Kota divisional commissioner on Wednesday, Mehta added.

    Meanwhile, the nominated councillor of the Kota’s Itawa civic body Suresh Mahawar also sent his resignation letter to the chief minister.

    Before heading to Jalore, Pilot said, “Such incidents need to be strongly condemned. We need to put a check on such incidents. Only laws, speeches and actions are not enough. We will have to give them a strong message that we are with them in order to instil trust in them.”

    The Congress leader condemned the politicisation of the issue, calling it inappropriate whether it is done by the BJP or his own party.

    ALSO READ | ‘Take strict action’: NCPCR to Gehlot government on Dalit boy beaten to death for touching water pot

    Meanwhile, state Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the Dalit boy.

    Dotasra along with Women and Child Welfare Minister Mamta Bhupesh, PWD Minister Bhajan Lal Jatav and Disaster Management and Relief Minister Govind Ram Meghwal visited the boy’s home at Surana village in Jalore.

    He said the financial assistance with be given by the party.

    Meanwhile, Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the victim’s family.

    Dotasra said that the amount will be given to the victim’s family by the party.

    The state Congress president, accompanied by Rajasthan ministers Mamta Bhupesh, Bhajan Lal Jatav, and Govind Ram Meghwal, visited the house of the victim in Surana village in Jalore.

    He expressed grief over the incident and assured the family all support on behalf of the party.

    Later, talking to reporters, Dotasra said the state unit of the party will give a financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh to the boy’s family, in addition to Rs 5 lakh announced by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot from the CM relief fund.

    “Our party president Sonia Gandhi and leader Rahul Gandhi have directed the leaders and MLAs to visit the family and do whatever can be done to assist the family,” he said.

    Dotasra said the matter will be investigated and a speedy trial will be held.

    He said that the education department has already served a notice to the private school, where the incident occurred, asking why should not the affiliation of the school be terminated.

    The Congress leader said that the family members had resentment against the local police due to a face-off in the village on Sunday and they have been assured that action against the guilty will be taken.

    He stated that one police constable was suspended on Tuesday.

    Nine-year-old Indra Kumar was beaten up allegedly for touching a drinking water pot in the school on July 20.

    He died during treatment at a hospital in Ahmedabad on Saturday.