A Pushpanjali program was held at the state Congress headquarters on Tuesday on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Juli along with many public representatives, party officials and workers, paid floral tribute to the picture of Indira Gandhi. Along with this, they also targeted the government for not providing the social security pension amount to the beneficiaries.
Gehlot stated that the recent incidents in Rajasthan suggest that the government’s credibility has been compromised. He also offered advice to Naresh Meena, an independent candidate in the Deoli-Uniara byelection, Ravindra Singh Bhati, an independent MLA from Shiv (Barmer), and the BJP-led state government. Gehlot further accused the BJP of conspiring to topple the previous Congress government.
Talking to the media, he said that what happened in Deoli-Uniara was unfortunate. The question is not about this incident, but the question is that such an atmosphere has been created in the entire state. Another such incident has happened in Jaisalmer. People were freed from the police. Whether it is a public representative or someone else, anyone takes the law in their hands. This is not right. If the law is taken in hands like this, then the credibility of the government is compromised. There seems to be no control over such issues. This is not right.
Gehlot further said, “The government has to remain in power for five years. We do not try to topple them, nor is it our nature to do so.” Accusing the BJP, he said that they had made such efforts.
“It was good for the people of Rajasthan that they trusted us, and we were able to run the government for five years. In the country, such incidents happened in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra that the Congress government was toppled. In Rajasthan, we saved the government.”
Gehlot praised Indira Gandhi as a transformative leader, stating that she didn’t just change the history but also the geography of the subcontinent. He recalled how under her leadership, Pakistan was divided into two parts, and more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers were taken as prisoners, a feat never seen in world history. Gehlot lamented that those in power today feel ashamed to remember her legacy, adding that people should be proud of her contributions.
He also expressed confidence in Congress’ future under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, emphasising that Rahul is carrying forward the legacy of the party. Gehlot noted that democracy is about governments changing, but current leaders are failing to create their own legacy. He stressed that Congress’s policies, principles, and programs have always been focused on the poor, the deprived, and the backward, regardless of their community.
Regarding the upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, Gehlot stated that the atmosphere in both states seems favourable for Congress. He expressed confidence in the I.N.D.I.A bloc’s strong performance in Maharashtra, where he has been appointed senior observer for Mumbai and Konkan regions, overseeing election management in about 75 constituencies. Gehlot is optimistic that the alliance will form the government in Maharashtra.
On the issue of MoUs signed for investment under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, Gehlot acknowledged the importance of implementing these agreements. While he noted that MoUs are often just formalities, he hoped that the current efforts would yield results.
Gehlot also addressed concerns about social security pensions, pointing out that his government had implemented a law to ensure a 15% annual increase in pensions, a provision that the current government had yet to fully implement. He urged the government to prioritise pension distribution, as it affects vulnerable sections of society, including the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals.
Juli also paid tribute to Indira Gandhi, highlighting the lasting impact of her decisions, which are still remembered both in India and globally. He recalled how she played a pivotal role in the 1971 war, leading to the division of Pakistan and the surrender of nearly 1,00,000 Pakistani soldiers. Julie also praised her landmark decision to nationalise the banks, making banking services accessible to the common people. He further noted that Indira Gandhi’s leadership made India a nuclear power, earning her the title of “Iron Lady” for her unyielding stance on the world stage.