Gehlot slams govt’s ‘2-yr vs 5-yr’ debate in Assembly as ‘illogical’

Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday criticised the BJP-led Rajasthan govt for proposing what he called an unprecedented and "illogical" Assembly debate on "Two years versus five years," saying no govt since Independence has initiated such a discussion."Since Independence, no govt made such a foolish statement. It was a completely absurd move, and that is why the govt had to retract it," Gehlot told reporters in the state Assembly. He said neither the Centre nor any state had framed a debate on the lines of "Two years versus five years."Gehlot alleged the govt first agreed to the format and later changed its stance, saying it would instead discuss a "report". Calling it "ridiculous", he said there should be an open discussion on the situation after two years of BJP rule. "The chief minister should seek feedback from the people on his govt's performance," he said.On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming Ajmer visit to inaugurate projects, including new colleges, Gehlot claimed 18 of the 19 colleges being inaugurated were sanctioned during the previous Congress government's tenure. "The foundation for these institutions was laid by our govt. The present govt is merely taking the credit," he alleged.Responding to Modi's earlier remark about an "Opposition-free India", Gehlot said a strong Opposition was essential. "Without an Opposition, there is no meaning. Democratic institutions are working under pressure, and healthy traditions are being weakened," he alleged.He also objected to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks about Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying such statements vitiate the atmosphere and harm democratic dialogue.Gehlot's comments came amid sharp exchanges in the state Assembly over governance, legislative procedure and national political issues.