Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that they've undermined the democratic fabric of the state. Speaking to the media at the Pradesh Congress headquarters in Jaipur, Dotasra claimed that the RSS, despite not contesting elections, is governing as if it has been elected by the people. He asserted that the RSS maintains its control and dominance. Over state governments without the mandate of the public vote. Dotasra emphasized that Rajasthan is an independent state, but the BJP and RSS have collectively transformed it into a Union Territory, where nothing can proceed without the Centre's approval, while these accusations raise serious questions about the state's autonomy and the integrity of its democratic processes, fueling concerns about the potential erosion of federalism.
Bureaucracy's Overreach and Ministerial Helplessness
Dotasra further alleged that the bureaucracy in Rajasthan has become entirely dominant. He stated that even the Chief Minister and other ministers find their. Legitimate concerns unaddressed, leading to a critical situation for the common public. He questioned the efficacy of governance when the state's own leaders and ministers are unable to get their rightful work done, while this scenario, according to Dotasra, indicates a severe breakdown in good governance and administrative efficiency, leaving citizens without recourse for their grievances and highlighting a potential power imbalance within the state administration.
BJP's Internal Strife and Worker Disillusionment
The Congress President also highlighted the internal conflicts within the BJP and the widespread disillusionment among its cadres. He revealed that BJP leaders themselves admit to their dire situation, with no work being accomplished, even for the Chief Minister, while dotasra sarcastically remarked on the irony of the Chief Minister's own work remaining undone. He confidently predicted that in the upcoming elections, the BJP wouldn't even secure enough seats to fill a 'tempo', vowing that Congress workers would ensure their complete defeat through their hard work. This statement underscores the perceived internal dissent within the BJP and its declining. Popularity among the populace, suggesting a lack of cohesion within the ruling party.
Ministers' Isolation and Disconnect from Public
Dotasra painted a grim picture of the state's ministers, claiming their. Calls are ignored by collectors, a sign of severe administrative dysfunction. He noted that when ministers visit districts, hardly five people show up at circuit houses to meet them, indicating a profound disconnect from the public. According to Dotasra, party workers have lost hope in these ministers because their work isn't being done, rendering ministerial visits futile, while ministers now reportedly travel alone, have tea and snacks with collectors, and leave, a situation he described as detrimental to democracy, fostering a growing communication gap between the public and their representatives and eroding public trust.
Allegations of 'Gujarati Lobby' Dominating Contracts
Dotasra leveled serious accusations of corruption and favoritism in the allocation of government contracts. He claimed that all contracts in Rajasthan are being awarded to a "Gujarati lobby. " These contractors, he alleged, arrive with "chits" from Delhi, ensuring they secure the tenders. He further stated that if any minister dares to question a contract, they quickly forget about it within two days, implying they're "settled. " Dotasra asserted he could provide 20 such examples where ministers initially raised concerns only to fall silent later. These allegations cast a dark shadow over transparency and fairness in state procurement processes, raising concerns about cronyism and accountability.
The Congress President also criticized the changes made within the police department, while he lamented that the Police Headquarters and the DGP once held significant authority, but now, four additional DGs have been appointed above a single DGP. He also questioned the creation of a "Special Commissioner" post alongside the Commissioner, asking, "What will the Special Commissioner do now? " Dotasra believes that such unnecessary post creations have weakened the functioning and prestige of the police department, potentially leading to confusion in the chain of command and diluted authority.
Questioning Police Department Restructuring
Chief Minister's Rebuke to Ministers in Cabinet Meeting
Dotasra recounted an incident from a cabinet meeting where the Chief Minister reportedly reprimanded ministers. He stated that some ministers complained to the CM that collectors and SPs weren't listening to them. When the CM asked who wasn't being heard, one minister raised his hand. The Chief Minister then reportedly told that minister, "You yourself have so many complaints against you in Delhi, reaching even the PM and Amit Shah. " Upon hearing this, the minister who raised his hand, and all others, fell silent, while this incident, as described by Dotasra, highlights deep-seated disagreements and discontent within the BJP government, suggesting internal power struggles and a lack of unified leadership.
Concerns Over Electoral Process Irregularities
Dotasra also raised several concerns regarding the upcoming elections. He affirmed the party's strength in Anta and vowed not to allow "vote theft. " He specifically highlighted the issue of Booth Level Agents (BLA) not receiving training, while the Election Department had promised two days of training for BLAs, but no Congress BLA had been contacted yet. He termed this a dereliction of duty by the Election Department,. Which could compromise the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Voter Photo Collection Issues
Dotasra also objected to the requirement for every voter to provide a photograph during the SIR (likely voter list revision) process. He suggested that when BLOs visit homes, they should digitally capture and save photos using their app. He argued that it would be difficult for voters in rural areas and. Hamlets to procure photographs and urged the Election Commission to consider this practical challenge. This issue pertains to ensuring accessibility of the voting process for rural electorates, aiming to prevent any disenfranchisement due to logistical hurdles.
