The argument between former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his successor, incumbent Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with his ministers, over the so-called “Waitology” (IntezaarShastra) has turned increasingly bitter, with both sides hardening their stances on the newly coined mode of dialogue.
File Photo: IANS
The argument between former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his successor, incumbent Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, along with his ministers, over the so-called “Waitology” (IntezaarShastra) has turned increasingly bitter, with both sides hardening their stances on the newly coined mode of dialogue.
The senior Congress leader, who has been spearheading the opposition’s narrative in state politics, recently coined the phrase IntezaarShastra (Waitology). In essence, it is a series of topics (chapters) focusing on key project initiatives of his previous regime (2018–December 2023) that have either been abandoned or stalled by the Sharma-led BJP government.
Advertisement
As Gehlot presented his arguments on these issues with logic and supporting data, ministers responded the same day with prompt rejoinders, attempting to “put the ball back in the rival’s court.”
Advertisement
Until Thursday, Gehlot had written four chapters of his IntezaarShastra, covering one major project related to academia, administration and youth affairs and three projects related to medical and health infrastructure.
Senior cabinet ministers Joga Ram Patel, Gajendra Singh Khimsar, and Avinash Gehlot were tasked by the Chief Minister to respond to the three-time former CM on issues within their respective domains.
Their responses highlighted what they described as the fallout of “repeated instances of paper leaks, mismanagement, and corruption” that had either tainted or delayed examinations, leaving youth waiting for opportunities.
On health infrastructure, Health Minister Khimsar attributed delays or stalled projects to a “total lack of planning” and alleged corruption and favouritism during the Gehlot regime.
However, the ministers’ replies neither deterred Gehlot from continuing his “Shastra” series nor satisfied Chief Minister Sharma.
Consequently, Sharma himself launched a scathing verbal attack on his predecessor during an event in Jodhpur on Thursday.
In a strongly worded jibe, Sharma said: “Khokhli jadugari ka jhoot keval bhram paida karta hai, yaad rahe!” (The falsehood of a magician’s tricks only creates illusion—remember this.)
He added, “Ek IntezaarShastra laga rakha hai unhone… yeh IntezaarShastra nahin hai; yeh jhoot ka shastra hai” (He has been running a so-called IntezaarShastra… this is not Waitology; it is a doctrine of falsehood), while criticizing Gehlot’s frequent posts on social media.
Sharma further alleged corruption during the previous Congress regime, warning that “anyone involved in corruption will not be spared.”
“Recall how many paper leaks took place, how many have now been prevented, and how many accused have been jailed. Also remember the Jal Jeevan Mission scam under your regime—your minister was jailed, many officers have been arrested, and investigations are still ongoing,” Sharma said in an agitated tone.
This exchange appears to have further provoked Gehlot, who not only released another chapter of IntezaarShastra but also announced that, starting Friday, one chapter will be released daily at 11 am.
On Friday, Gehlot released the fifth chapter, focusing on an under-construction Railway Overbridge (RoB) project that remains unfinished due to slow progress and alleged political mala fide over the past two years.
Advertisement
