Ashok Gehlot criticises Assam CM, expressing worries over public safety

In the wake of Congress’s assertion that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Assam government is impeding its ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ which commenced in the state earlier this week, Ashok Gehlot, Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, directed his criticism towards Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Gehlot emphasized that Sarma, being not just a BJP leader but also the Chief Minister, bears the responsibility of ensuring the safety of every citizen.

The Congress has accused the BJP-led Assam government of creating obstacles for its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, initiated in the state on Thursday. Gehlot, in an interview with ANI, commented on Rahul Gandhi’s yatra, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ is being welcomed across the country. He is trying to ensure justice for everyone, whether social or economic.” Gehlot expressed concerns about rising inflation, unemployment, and the widening wealth gap, highlighting them as significant issues. He noted that the BJP is apprehensive about Gandhi’s yatra.

Further addressing the situation, Gehlot pointed out, “Himanta Biswa Sarmaji is not just a BJP leader; he is a Chief Minister too. It is his responsibility to ensure the safety of every citizen and every person visiting the state, no matter which party they belong to.”

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in Charge of Communications, asserted during a press conference that the Assam government, under Himanta Biswa Sarma, is actively working to thwart the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Despite the alleged hurdles, he expressed confidence that various sections of Assam, including youth and women, will pay heed to Rahul Gandhi’s message.

Upon entering Assam, Rahul Gandhi criticized Himanta’s government, labeling it perhaps the “most corrupt government” in India. He accused the ruling BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of spreading hatred and embezzling public funds. Gandhi pledged to address the issues of Assam during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

However, on an earlier occasion, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma refuted claims by several Congress leaders regarding scheduling conflicts with the yatra. He clarified that the state government had set the dates for distributing forms for a new scheme before being aware of Rahul Gandhi’s visit. Sarma canceled his pre-planned events to avoid clashes with Congress programs during the yatra in specific districts.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which commenced from Thoubal in Manipur on January 14, is set to cover over 6,700 kilometers across 110 districts in a span of 67 days.