In a heated exchange of words, senior BJP leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje vehemently denied Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent claim that she, along with two other BJP leaders, had assisted him in saving his government during the rebellion within the ruling Congress in 2020. Ms. Raje labeled Mr. Gehlot’s assertion as “outrageous and untrue,” suggesting that it was a desperate ploy to avoid defeat in the upcoming Assembly election.
Taking a strong stance, Ms. Raje declared that Mr. Gehlot’s compliments towards her were merely a part of a larger conspiracy. She asserted that no one had humiliated her to the extent that Mr. Gehlot had in the past. This public exchange of accusations highlights the deep-rooted animosity and political rivalry between the two prominent leaders in the state of Rajasthan.
Ms. Raje’s statement further suggested that the Chief Minister’s claims were a fabrication aimed at diverting attention from the imminent “historic defeat” that the Congress party was anticipated to face in the upcoming 2023 Assembly polls. Dismissing Mr. Gehlot’s political maneuvers, she confidently proclaimed that his tricks would not be successful.
This public spat between the two influential politicians reflects the high stakes involved in the political landscape of Rajasthan. As the Assembly elections draw near, political tensions are running high, with each partying for powerand seeking to undermine its opponents.
Vasundhara Raje, a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has a long-standing history in Rajasthan politics. She served as the Chief Minister of the state from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2013 to 2018. During her tenure, she implemented several developmental initiatives and was seen as a strong leader within the BJP.
Ashok Gehlot, on the other hand, is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and has held the position of Chief Minister multiple times. He assumed office in 2018 following the Congress party’s victory in the state elections. His government faced a significant challenge in 2020 when a faction within the ruling Congress rebelled against him, leading to a political crisis.
The rebellion within the Congress party had sparked intense speculation and brought the state government to the brink of collapse. It was during this tumultuous period that Chief Minister Gehlot now claims to have received assistance from Vasundhara Raje and two other BJP leaders. However, Ms. Raje’s recent denial has not only refuted this claim but has also raised questions about the authenticity of Mr. Gehlot’s assertions.
The political landscape in Rajasthan is characterized by fierce competition between the BJP and the Congress. Both parties have a substantial support base and have been engaging in a battle of ideologies and strategies to gain an upper hand. The rivalry between Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot has been a defining feature of the state’s politics for many years, further intensifying the current exchange of accusations.
As the election approaches, the war of words between these political heavyweights is likely to escalate. The electorate in Rajasthan will witness an intense campaign as both parties vie for public support. It remains to be seen how this controversy between Vasundhara Raje and Ashok Gehlot will impact the political dynamics and shape the outcome of the upcoming Assembly polls in 2023.