Jaipur, April 24 Launching a verbal attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday accused the ruling party of "murdering democracy" and misusing central agencies, reacting to reports of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MPs merging with the BJP.
Speaking to the media at Jaipur airport, Gehlot alleged that the BJP's politics is driven by intimidation and coercion.
"Democracy is weakening before our eyes. All agencies are under their (BJP) control. MPs are being targeted through raids and false cases. Earlier, leaders like Raghav Chadha were harassed, and many were implicated in the Delhi liquor scam case. Now, after passing through their (BJP) 'washing machine', everyone is declared clean," he said.
"They have set up a "washing machine"; once people go through it, everyone becomes completely "clean"," the former Chief Minister added.
"No cases remain pending against anyone. With this "washing machine" they have acquired -- they poached Congress members in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh; and they certainly spared no effort to do the same here as well. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma ji and (Rajasthan BJP Chief) Madan Rathore ji repeatedly make allegations against us (Congress). They (BJP) want me to explicitly name Sachin Pilot, to mention that people had gone to Manesar, hoping that if I do, it will trigger a conflict within our party ranks. I lay the blame squarely on them (BJP). Tell us (Congress), with how many people did you (BJP) engage in horse-trading? Did you spare the people of Rajasthan? We (Congress), on the other hand, remain united."
Taking a direct swipe at BJP's top leadership, Gehlot claimed that the BJP leadership is "living in a delusion" which, he asserted, will soon be exposed.
"People across the country now understand that they (BJP) are doing politics only in the name of Hindutva. What real work have they done except spreading division?" he asked.
Gehlot also accused the BJP of engineering defections across states, citing instances in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Referring to past political turmoil in Rajasthan, the veteran Congress leader said, "We were forced to stay in a hotel for 34 days due to their (BJP's) attempts at horse-trading. They (BJP) tried everything to destabilise our (Congress) government, but we remained united."
Responding to questions on the record voter turnout in West Bengal, Gehlot raised concerns over the role of the Election Commission of India.
"Serious questions are being raised, even by the Calcutta High Court on bike ban in Bengal. Once Assembly poll results are out, the reality behind this voter turnout will become clear," he said, alleging manipulation of voter lists and misuse of administrative machinery.
"Look at what the Calcutta High Court there had to say: What exactly have you set up here? They rebuked the authorities for imposing a ban on motorcycles. Even the High Court is reprimanding them; it is simply incomprehensible what the Election Commission is trying to convey. As for the record-breaking turnout, once we analyse the data, the underlying reasons behind it will become clear; we will know for sure on May 4. However, if, as it currently appears evident, this entire game was played out through sheer bullying, hooliganism, and the manipulation of voter lists via the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) system, the truth will inevitably come to light. We will simply have to wait until May 4."
On the repeated bomb threats targeting the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly and other key institutions, Gehlot questioned the BJP-led state government's law and order record.
"Threats have been issued to the Chief Minister, High Court, Collectorates, and now the Assembly again. Even after months, no arrests have been made. Is there any governance left in Rajasthan?" he asked.
"Threats have been directed at the High Court, at the Collectorate offices, and now, for the second time, at the Legislative Assembly itself. Yet, despite six months having passed, the culprits still haven't been apprehended. So, are they (BJP) actually governing? Does the very concept of "administration" or "rule of law" even exist in Rajasthan anymore? This should be a matter of deep concern for everyone. I simply cannot fathom why they are unable to catch these individuals, especially in this modern era of high-tech capabilities. It defies all logic. It is a truly distressing state of affairs; indeed, what could be more unfortunate than the fact that the Chief Minister (Bhajan Lal Sharma) himself is receiving such threats?"
Addressing the party strategy, Gehlot emphasised that the Congress is focusing on all regions of the state, including Mewar and Marwar, to strengthen its political base.
"We are working across Rajasthan and will address our weak areas with full commitment," he added.
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