BJP obsessed with the 'Gandhi Parivaar', says Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot as election campaign intensifies

File Photo/PTI

As the Rajasthan election campaign intensifies, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its continuous targeting of the 'Gandhi family,' stating that the BJP levels baseless allegations against a family with the highest credibility in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Gehlot remarked, "They won't say anything, just make false allegations and are obsessed with the 'Gandhi Parivaar'. For the past 30 years, no one from the Gandhi family has become Prime Minister... For 30 years, this family has lived without any position; they are just managing the Congress party."

"Why does this cause so much anguish to the BJP? Why does it bother them? Why do they target them? They should target us; we work in the field... Why are they afraid of them? This means that this family has the highest credibility in the country," Gehlot added.

During an election rally on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that a change was imminent in Rajasthan, claiming that the people were dissatisfied with the Congress. BJP national president JP Nadda, addressing a public rally, emphasized the BJP's commitment to upholding citizens' rights, contrasting it with the Congress, which he labeled as synonymous with corruption.

Rajasthan is gearing up for assembly polls on November 25, with the counting of votes scheduled for December 3. In the 2018 assembly elections, the Congress secured 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 seats in the 200-member House. Ashok Gehlot later assumed the position of Chief Minister with the support of BSP MLAs and independents."

Meanwhile, in the midst of widespread speculation about internal conflicts among Congress members in Rajasthan, party leader Rahul Gandhi made a public appearance in Jaipur alongside Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot. During the event, Rahul Gandhi emphasized unity, stating, "We are not only seen together but we are also united. We will be together, and Congress will sweep the elections here and win."

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Rahul Gandhi's visit to Jaipur coincided with the ongoing campaign for the November 15 assembly polls in Rajasthan, where the Congress aimed to return to power. Media reports had been circulating speculations about infighting within the party, particularly between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot.

Congress national general secretary KC Venugopal addressed these concerns, dismissing fears of disunity and asserting that all leaders were working together to ensure the party's success in the upcoming elections. He stated, "Our party remains united as before. All our leaders are standing together and fighting with the common aim of ensuring the BJP's defeat and returning to power in Rajasthan."

To further underscore the unity within the party, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot shared a post on X on November 15, stating, "Together we are winning again." The post featured a picture of Gehlot in a meeting with Congress General Secretary in charge of Rajasthan Sukhjinder Randhawa and senior Rajasthan Congress leaders Jitender Singh and Sachin Pilot. Sachin Pilot re-posted the message on his own timeline.

The assembly polls in Rajasthan were scheduled for November 25, with the counting of votes set for December 3. In the 2018 elections, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73 out of the 200-member House. With the support of BSP MLAs and Independents, Gehlot took the oath as Chief Minister. (With inputs from agencies)