Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the BJP government of mismanaging the Annapurna Rasoi Yojana, which provides affordable meals to the poor and middle class. Gehlot, in a social media post, claimed that the government has gradually weakened the scheme, which was originally launched as the Indira Rasoi Yojana during Congress rule. He emphasised that the programme was designed to ensure no one in the state would go to bed hungry, but under the current government, its effectiveness and quality have deteriorated.
Taking to social media, Gehlot remarked, “Indira Rasoi was started during our tenure with the spirit that no one should sleep hungry. After the BJP government came to power, the name of this scheme was changed to Annapurna Rasoi Yojana. After changing the name, there should have been a resolution to strengthen this scheme, but it is being gradually weakened.”
He pointed out that during the Congress’s tenure, the Indira Rasoi Yojana had even earned praise from foreign tourists, particularly in Jodhpur, where it had become common for international visitors to enjoy the meals.
Gehlot further criticised the BJP government, stating, “Now in the BJP government, there is no food in some kitchens, and in others, there is dirt. Cold food is being served, and as a result, people who come for the meals are getting disappointed.”
He expressed his disappointment at the poor management of the scheme and urged Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take effective steps to monitor and improve the Annapurna Rasoi Yojana.
The Annapurna Rasoi Yojana was launched during the tenure of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje’s government. The scheme was initially called Indira Rasoi Yojana during Congress rule, which BJP had criticised for the name change. Following the BJP’s rise to power, the name of the scheme was altered again. On January 5, 2024, just 20 days after Bhajan Lal Sharma took office, the government announced the renaming of the scheme to Shri Annapurna Rasoi Yojana.
Gehlot further reminded people of the original purpose of the scheme, which aimed to provide nutritious, affordable meals to the poor and middle class.
“This scheme was meant to offer good food to people at a low price, and the Chief Minister should effectively monitor it and improve its quality,” he stated.
Gehlot Expresses Grief Over Demise Of Jodhpur’s First Woman Mayor
In a separate post, Gehlot also expressed his sorrow over the passing of Dr Omkumari Gehlot, the first woman mayor of Jodhpur. He offered his condolences, praying for her soul to rest in peace and for strength to her family members in this difficult time.
The death of Dr Omkumari Gehlot, a notable figure in Rajasthan’s political history, has left a void in the city. Her contribution as the first woman mayor of Jodhpur has been widely acknowledged, and her untimely demise has saddened many in the state. Gehlot extended his heartfelt condolences and shared in the grief of her loss.
