In a surprising turn of events, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot conceded an unexpected defeat as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) surged towards victory in the Rajasthan Assembly polls. Gehlot, in a post on X, humbly accepted the mandate given by the public, acknowledging the unforeseen outcome.
राजस्थान की जनता द्वारा दिए गए जनादेश को हम विनम्रतापूर्वक स्वीकार करते हैं। यह सभी के लिए एक अप्रत्याशित परिणाम है। यह हार दिखाती है कि हम अपनी योजनाओं, कानूनों और नवाचारों को जनता तक पहुंचाने में पूरी तरह कामयाब नहीं रहे।
मैं नई सरकार को शुभकामनाएं देता हूं। मेरी उनको सलाह है…
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 3, 2023
“We humbly accept the mandate given by the people of Rajasthan. This is an unexpected result for everyone. This defeat shows that we were not completely successful in taking our plans, laws, and innovations to the public,” Gehlot expressed in his post.
Despite the setback, Gehlot urged the new BJP government to continue the schemes initiated during his tenure. “My advice to them is that despite working hard, we were not successful, but that does not mean that they should stop working after coming to the government. All the schemes, including OPS, Chiranjeevi, and the pace of development that we have given to Rajasthan in these five years, should be taken forward,” he emphasized.
Expressing gratitude, Gehlot thanked Congress workers who dedicatedly worked during the election. “Those party workers who worked hard in this election, I express my gratitude to them and all the voters who believed in us,” he said.
As per recent trends, Gehlot is leading from the Sardarpura constituency with a margin of 26,396 votes against BJP candidate Mahendra Rathore. However, the BJP is currently leading by 115 seats out of the 200-member Assembly, while Congress is ahead by 69 seats.
Rajasthan witnessed polls in 199 of the 200 assembly seats on November 25, with the majority mark set at 100. Notably, the elections in the Karanpur constituency were adjourned due to the unfortunate passing away of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar. The unfolding scenario marks a significant political upset, reshaping the dynamics in Rajasthan.