CM GEHLOT DOWNPLAYS MINISTER’S TWEET, SAYS HE IS UNDER WORK PRESSURE

Day after the Rajasthan sports minister asked to be relieved from his post over the conduct of the CM’s principal secretary, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday said Ashok Chandna’s tweet should not be taken seriously as he might be under pressure because of workload.

Chandna on Thursday expressed anguish over the conduct of Gehlot’s principal secretary, referring to him as the “minister of all the departments”, and said he would prefer being removed as a minister. The minister made his displeasure public through a tweet, saying he does not want to hold on to the “dishonourable” ministerial post.

“Honourable Chief Minister, I have a personal request to you. Free me from this cruel ministerial post and give the charge of all my departments to Kuldeep Ranka ji, because anyway, he is the minister of all the departments. Thank you,” Chandna had tweeted.

Replying to queries from reporters on this development, the CM said that Chandna had organised a state-level sports programme earlier and in the same way, a similar event – ‘Rural Olympics’ – is going to be held for the first time in Rajasthan in which 30 lakh people are likely to participate.

“A huge load is on him. Maybe he came under tension and made some comments. It should not be taken seriously…will talk to him,” Gehlot told reporters. The chief minister said he had not talked to the minister till now.

“He seems to be working under pressure, such a big responsibility has come on him, will see,” Gehlot said.

Last week, Congress leader Ganesh Goghra resigned from Congress. He alleged that despite being a ruling party MLA and the Youth Congress’ state president, he was being neglected and his voice was being suppressed by local administration and officers.