Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the communal violence in Jodhpur, saying the opposition party is nervous. “If they have any target in the country, it is Rajasthan. That is why you are seeing riots spreading,” Gehlot said.
Gehlot said he had already pointed out that they had come to “set fire” when BJP chief JP Nadda visited Sawai Madhopur. “And what happened. Tension broke out in Karauli.” Gehlot was responding to questions from media persons on various issues including the Jodhpur incident. He said they did not allow riots in Karauli nor in Jodhpur. “That is why there was no casualty, and no big incident or accident.”
Gehlot claimed after the violence in Karauli, people belonging to all religions welcomed Ram Navami processions. “On the same day, riots broke out in seven states, and bulldozers were used against the poor. But Rajasthan remained peaceful, which they (BJP) cannot digest. We controlled the situation in Karauli and Jodhpur,” the CM said.
Gehlot further said that the nation witnessed how the riots in UP, Bihar, Gujarat and MP were black chapters in the country’s history. On upcoming Chintan Shivir to be held here 13-15 May, Gehlot said several Congress leaders will discuss various issues and the decisions will be taken accordingly.
Asked about the government’s action against those planning to spread communal tensions in Rajasthan, Gehlot said that there will be no compromise on what disturbs the harmony in the state. The government will take strict action against such elements, he added. Those behind these acts will be taught a befitting lesson by the public in due course of time, Gehlot said.
On the situation in Jodhpur, Gehlot said there is peace in Jodhpur now. Jodhpur has a history of people living in harmony, but some miscreants tried to create differences among them, the CM said.