Farmers Movement Archive

Focus on resolving stand-off with farmers: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot to Centre

JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday charged the Centre that the list for raids by the CBI, ED and income tax department is being made by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the government treats the opposition leaders as enemies. Gehlot said this has never happened in the past where political opponents were deliberately targeted. “The fight of Congress with BJP is ideological and not personal. The arrogance of BJP leaders is so evident that they openly claim on the longevity of the opposition ruled governments.” Gehlot was addressing virtually on the state-level function to mark the second anniversary of the Congress government on Friday. He advised the Modi government to leave all other work and focus only on resolving its standoff with the farmers. He said, “If we withdraw a decision, it is not weakness, but will display large-heartedness. This is democracy, not monarchy.” Gehlot pointed out that three bills passed by the Rajasthan assembly to counter the Centre’s farm laws were still pending with the governor. “We care for farmers and have passed three bills in the assembly which are still pending with the governor. I do not know what his compulsions are that he is not forwarding the bills to the president,” Gehlot added. The chief minister said the situation in the country has come to such a pass that the Congress chief ministers request for a meeting with the President on farmers’ issue was no allowed. Highlighting the achievements of his government in the last two years, the chief minister said almost 50% of promises made in the election manifesto have been fulfilled despite the unprecedented challenges thrown by the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Governor Kalraj Mishra congratulated chief minister Ashok Gehlot on the completion of two years of the state government on Friday.

The Times of India

2020-12-19

Jaipur