Maken targets Modi over ‘plot’ to topple Gehlot govt
JAIPUR: Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of conspiring to topple the Gehlot government in Rajasthan instead of focusing on taming the coronavirus, China and lifting the economy out of stress.
Speaking to reporters, the former Union minister who was sent to the desert state to broker a truce between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot, said, “The country is battling a pandemic, 130 crore people have been affected by the economic crisis and more than 14 crore are staring at joblessness as businesses are on the verge of closing. Also, China is eyeing Indian territory. However, while the country is facing serious public health, economic and national security challenges, the PM is busy conspiring to topple elected governments.”
“The sad reality is that the Modi government and the BJP have unleashed an attack on our democracy and Constitution,” he added.
Maken said the larger motive of these “disruptive forces” was to make democracy a puppet in their hands. Claiming that public mandates are being betrayed at the BJP’S behest, the veteran Congress leader said, “We’re concerned how the Constitution and our established traditions are being trampled by the BJP.”
Veeri ng t o t he pol i t i c a l upheaval in Rajasthan, he said hopes on the judiciary delivering justice had diminished and even those sitting on constitutional posts like Governors are helpless in this situation.
while the country is facing serious public health, economic and national security challenges, the PM is busy conspiring to topple elected governments.
Cong is needlessly dragging PM into this mess, as it is their MLAS who have been locked in a hotel for last many days and governance has gone for a toss.
AJAY MAKEN, Congress leader
He said people need to speak up on whether the BJP’S attack on democracy and institutions should be tolerated. “Should the mandate of 8 crore people of Rajasthan be betrayed by the hukumran (rulers) in Delhi? Can the governor deny Assembly sessions proposed by the government? Can the judiciary interfere with the functioning of a l egislature and will i t not result in a clash of institutions?” Maken said.
“Congress workers and citizens will sit on dharnas near Raj Bhavans across the country in support of our MLAS in Rajast
MUKESH PAREEK, BJP spokesperson
han. It will further strengthen our resolve to safeguard our democracy,” he said.
Countering Maken’s charges, state BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said, “It is inexplicable that a government should insist on calling an Assembly session and yet, fail to give one good reason to do so. The party that has no faith in the judiciary has no right to be in power. The Congress is needlessly dragging the PM into this mess, as it is their MLAS who have locked themselves in a hotel for the last many days and governance has gone for a toss.”