Key facts
- Ashok Gehlot proposed Rahul Gandhi as the face of the INDIA opposition alliance.
- Gehlot advocated for the election to be framed as 'Modi versus Rahul Gandhi'.
- He stated that Congress, as the largest constituent, has the primary responsibility to strengthen the alliance.
- Gehlot criticized the BJP's ideology and alleged misuse of investigative agencies against political opponents.
- He expressed concern over the state of democratic institutions and the media.
- Gehlot urged young people and students to actively participate in politics.
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has called for Rahul Gandhi to be projected as the face of the opposition INDIA bloc, stating that the political contest should be framed as 'Modi versus Rahul Gandhi'. Gehlot emphasized that the Congress, as the largest party in the alliance, bears the greatest responsibility for its strengthening.
Addressing an award function in Jaipur, Gehlot praised Gandhi as a fearless leader who consistently raises critical national and international issues without fear. He suggested that a leader like former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would have banned a party like the BJP for practicing politics in the name of religion, asserting that the constitution does not permit such practices.
Gehlot expressed deep concern over the current political atmosphere, describing it as dangerous and urging young people and students to actively participate in politics to understand and choose ideologies. He alleged that democratic institutions, including the judiciary and investigative agencies, are under unprecedented pressure and are being used as political weapons against opponents. He also criticized the mainstream media for failing to hold the government accountable due to government pressure.
Furthermore, Gehlot accused the BJP and RSS of selectively invoking national icons for political gain without genuine faith in their principles. He voiced concern over the condition of minorities, stating that communities contributing to nation-building feel targeted. He also questioned the absence of Muslim MPs from the BJP in the Lok Sabha and criticized the Election Commission, alleging manipulation of electoral processes and a move towards a one-party dominant system.