‘Indira Gandhi would have banned BJP’: Ashok Gehlot claims ruling party involved in religion politics

NEW DELHI: Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday launched a pointy assault on the BJP, accusing it of practising politics in the identify of religion, undermining democratic establishments and utilizing central businesses in opposition to political opponents. Talking at an award ceremony in Jaipur, the senior Congress chief stated the Structure doesn’t allow politics based mostly on religion and claimed that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would have banned such a party if she have been in energy as we speak.Concentrating on the BJP’s ideological method, Gehlot alleged that the party was mobilising individuals in the identify of Hindutva for electoral good points and was straying from the constitutional precept of equal rights for all faiths.“The Structure provides equal rights to all religions. Religion shouldn’t be used as a political software,” he stated.Gehlot additionally took purpose on the Election Fee, alleging that it was functioning as an agent of the BJP. He additional claimed that democratic establishments, together with the judiciary, have been beneath stress and accused the Centre of utilizing businesses such because the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Revenue Tax Division to focus on political rivals.The Congress veteran alleged that the BJP was weakening democratic establishments and voting rights, warning that such actions would disproportionately have an effect on poorer sections of society.Escalating his criticism, Gehlot described the ideological positions of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as harmful. He additionally accused the ruling party of selectively invoking nationwide icons for political functions.“The BJP invokes leaders akin to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for political functions whereas ignoring their values,” he stated.Gehlot additional questioned the BJP’s dedication to inclusivity, pointing to the absence of Muslim BJP MPs in the Lok Sabha. He claimed that senior leaders akin to Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain had been sidelined inside the party.Waiting for nationwide politics, Gehlot stated Indian politics ought to evolve right into a direct contest between Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged regional events to rally behind Gandhi, saying he was successfully elevating public considerations each inside and outdoors Parliament.The previous chief minister additionally criticised the BJP authorities in Rajasthan, alleging a decline in governance and claiming that individuals throughout the state have been dealing with water and electricity-related issues with out an satisfactory administrative response.Calling on youthful generations to take part in public life, Gehlot urged youth to enter politics and play an energetic function in defending democratic values.