Gehlot launches scathing attack on Modi Government, accuses BJP of ‘killing democracy’ through defections

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led Central Government over the issue of political defections in West Bengal and Maharashtra, alleging that the BJP was “killing democracy” in the country.

Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House here, Gehlot said, “Just look at West Bengal. Around 60 out of 80 Trinamool Congress MLAs deserted the party. Out of 28 MPs, nearly 20 have left. Similarly, six out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have also defected.”

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The three-time Chief Minister made strong and caustic remarks on the political developments, saying, “MLAs and MPs are being traded and sold like horses, donkeys, sheep and goats (Ghode, Gadhe, Bhed-Bakri Ki Tarah MPs aur MLAs Bikne Lage Hain).”

Calling it an insult to the people’s mandate, Gehlot said the most disturbing aspect was that the BJP was engineering such defections despite enjoying an absolute majority at the Centre.

“Earlier, they used to play the same game in Gujarat by engineering defections despite having a comfortable majority in the state. In a way, this represents the extension of the Gujarat model across the country,” he said.

Gehlot further warned that a dangerous political game was being played in the country. “These people will destroy the nation. If the public, particularly the younger generation, does not wake up even now, the consequences for the country will be unimaginable (Public aur Yuva Peedhi Abhi Bhi Nahin Cheti To Pata Nahin Kya Hoga),” he remarked.

Expressing concern about the youth, Gehlot said they were in the most vulnerable position and that their future and careers were at stake. “That is why Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a nationwide movement from Kota last week to fight for their future and career prospects,” he said.

Gehlot, however, avoided giving a direct reply when asked whether the political developments in West Bengal and Maharashtra could have any impact on Rajasthan or whether there was a possibility of a repeat of “Operation Lotus” in the state.

“Don’t make me say unpleasant things. These people are destroying the country (Mere Muh Se Mat Kahlwao; Ye Log Desh Ko Barbaad Kar Rahe Hain),” he said.

When asked about the prospects of his government securing a fourth term, the senior Congress leader responded, “Is the achievement of serving three terms as Chief Minister any less significant?”

As for the formation of the next government and the choice of Chief Minister, Gehlot said, “That will be decided by the Congress high command. The party leadership will determine who does what.”