The BJP Engages in Horse-Trading; Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan Serve as Examples
Corruption in West Bengal Has Crossed All Limits; No Work Gets Done Without ‘Cut Money’
The Sunday Mail
Kolkata: During a press conference held at the Kolkata Press Club on Sunday, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched sharp political attacks against both the Mamata Banerjee government and the Modi government at the Centre. While on an election tour of West Bengal, Mr. Gehlot strongly endorsed the stance taken by Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stating that Mamata Banerjee—along with the corruption and policies of her government—is directly responsible for the BJP’s entry onto the soil of Bengal.
Endorsing Rahul Gandhi’s Statement: The Mamata Government Is to Blame for the BJP’s Entry into Bengal
Mr. Gehlot remarked that the culture and ethos of West Bengal are distinctively different from those of other parts of the country—a place where, at one time, the very idea of the BJP gaining a foothold was unimaginable. Echoing Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s statement, he asserted that the pervasive narrative of corruption and scams in Bengal has created a negative impression among the public. The silence maintained within the government, he added, provided the BJP with the opportunity to make inroads into the state. Mr. Gehlot posed the question: If the BJP is managing to infiltrate a state with such a rich cultural heritage, then the failures of the Mamata government are solely to blame for it.
“In Bengal, one could never have imagined that the BJP would ever even gain entry. The culture here is entirely unique; if the BJP is managing to infiltrate such a state, then who is at fault? Mamata Banerjee—and her government—are to blame. What exactly did Mr. Rahul Gandhi say that was wrong?” Mr. Gehlot stated this during a media interaction.
During the press conference, when questioned about Rajasthan’s social security model…
Mr. Gehlot pointed out that even two years after his government left office, his schemes remain a topic of discussion in every household across Rajasthan. He noted that his administration had successfully pioneered an initiative in the healthcare sector in Rajasthan, providing free medical treatment—covering costs up to ₹25 lakhs—along with MRI scans, CT scans, and medicines, all completely free of charge. He further highlighted that 85% of the work on the refinery currently being established in Pachpadra, Rajasthan, was completed during his tenure. Gehlot remarked, “It is my dream that the successful experiment we demonstrated in Rajasthan be implemented in Bengal and across the entire country.” He emphasized that promises made in Bengal—such as establishing AI centers for the youth and providing free bus travel for women—are not merely paper promises; rather, they represent a firm commitment from the Congress party, one that they are determined to fulfill.
**BJP Engages in Horse-Trading; Failed in Rajasthan**
Taking a strong stance against the working style of the Central Government and the BJP, Gehlot asserted that Prime Minister Modi’s popularity graph is on a continuous decline. He accused the BJP of “murdering democracy” through the practice of “horse-trading.” Mr. Gehlot noted that the entire nation has witnessed how elected governments were toppled in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Regarding the BJP’s attempts in Rajasthan, Mr. Gehlot stated, “They attempted to do the same within Rajasthan as well, but they failed to bring down the government and ultimately met with failure.”
**No Work Gets Done in Bengal Without ‘Cut Money’**
Accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of corruption, Mr. Gehlot stated that corruption in the state has crossed all limits. He argued that scams such as the Saradha, Narada, Rose Valley, and coal mining scandals have hollowed out the state. He added that in Bengal, no work gets done without the payment of “cut money” (bribes) and commissions—a situation that has left the public in distress. Furthermore, taking a jibe at the BJP’s strategy, he remarked that the party has installed a ‘washing machine’ in which opposition leaders accused of corruption are instantly cleansed the moment they join it. History will never forgive the politics of misusing funds through electoral bonds and extorting donations by instilling fear of the ED.
