Shruti Suman
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has once again taken a swipe at the BJP by expressing his support for his rival Vasundhara Raje Scindia. He stated that she should not face repercussions from her party for refusing to topple his government during a vulnerable moment. Gehlot had previously acknowledged Raje’s support on this matter, which had led to a sarcastic comment from a younger leader.
When asked about the alleged sidelining of Raje within the BJP, Gehlot remarked that it was an internal matter of the BJP, and he preferred not to comment on it. However, he emphasized that Raje should not be penalized because of him, as it would be unjust. This implied that the former BJP Chief Minister should be above her party’s tactics aimed at removing opposition governments.
In May of the same year, Gehlot had claimed that Vasundhara Raje and two other BJP leaders had helped preserve his government during the revolt led by Sachin Pilot and his supporters in 2020. Raje responded with a sharp comment, characterizing Gehlot’s statement as not a gesture of goodwill but rather a display of malice.
Raje mentioned that Ashok Gehlot had not secured a majority since 2003 and considered her his primary adversary, which was why there was no goodwill in his praise, only ill will.
A cropped photo of the two leaders sitting together was circulated online last month, reviving accusations that they were going easy on each other. Eventually, Raje’s office released the complete photo, revealing the presence of two other leaders.
Many view Gehlot’s recent comment as a rebuke to the BJP, highlighting what the Congress perceives as unethical practices within the opposition party. It also appears to be a strategy to downplay factionalism within his own party by diverting attention to divisions within the opposition party, which, according to the state’s history, could potentially work in his favor.
