Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Appeals to PM Modi Ahead of Ajmer Visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Ajmer on Saturday, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has penned a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to honor a specific election-campaign promise. Gehlot reminded PM Modi of his assurance that no welfare scheme initiated by the previous Congress government in Rajasthan would be discontinued or diluted if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state.
Reminder of "Modi ki Guarantee" at Chittorgarh Rally
In his correspondence, Gehlot referenced a promise made by PM Modi during an election rally in Chittorgarh on October 2, 2023. "The people of Rajasthan accepted those words as 'Modi ki Guarantee'," Gehlot wrote, expressing deep regret that the current state government, led by the BJP, was acting in "exactly opposite" manner to that commitment. He emphasized that this perceived reversal has led to public disappointment.
Call for Restoration of Congress-Era Schemes
Gehlot urged the Prime Minister to issue clear instructions during his upcoming visit to Ajmer, demanding that the welfare schemes launched by the Congress government be restored to their original form. This, he argued, is essential to ensure that the citizens of Rajasthan "do not feel cheated" by unfulfilled political assurances.
Specific Concerns Raised About Key Initiatives
The former Chief Minister detailed several specific areas where he believes the BJP government has failed to uphold the promise. He highlighted critical issues with multiple flagship programs:
- Right to Health Act and Gig Workers Welfare Act: Gehlot stated that these acts have not been implemented effectively because the state government has not notified their rules, leaving them in limbo.
- Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship for Academic Excellence: He pointed out that the number of beneficiaries under this scholarship has been drastically reduced from 500 to 150, limiting educational opportunities.
- Indira Rasoi Yojana (Renamed Annapurna Rasoi): Gehlot alleged significant mismanagement, leading to a sharp drop in beneficiaries under this subsidized meal scheme.
- Indira Gandhi Smartphone Yojana: The second phase of this digital inclusion initiative has been discontinued, halting its progress.
- Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme: Implementation has been negligible, failing to provide the intended urban job security.
Additional Welfare Scheme Issues
Gehlot also raised concerns about other programs, including the Annapurna Ration Kit and the Indira Gandhi Credit Card Scheme. Furthermore, he mentioned the Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme and the Rajiv Gandhi Health Scheme (RGHS), implying they are not functioning as intended. Notably, he criticized how his government's free 100-unit electricity scheme has been linked to the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, which he claims restricts its benefits solely to new consumers, thereby undermining its original purpose.
This letter underscores ongoing political tensions in Rajasthan, with the opposition Congress holding the ruling BJP accountable for pre-election commitments. Gehlot's appeal sets the stage for PM Modi's visit, potentially influencing public discourse on governance and welfare in the state.
