Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday (September 20) voiced his objections to the mention of the late Rajiv Gandhi in the ongoing Women's Reservation Bill debate during a press conference held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Wednesday (September 20). Sarma expressed concern that bringing up Rajiv Gandhi's name in the discussion would spark additional debates and distractions.
Sarma, who was addressing the media, reminisced about previous attempts to pass the Women's Reservation Bill during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure when the Congress party held a majority in the Rajya Sabha. He questioned the party's inability to secure the bill's passage despite multiple attempts and humorously asked, "You couldn't convince Lalu Prasad Yadav?" In Hindi, he said, "Lalu toh aapka ishara mein uthta baithta hai" (Lalu responds to your signals).
Earlier in the day, Sarma directed criticism at the Congress government in Rajasthan, particularly targeting Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on various issues, including the alleged mishandling of farmers' loan waivers, rising crime against women, and the Sanatan Dharma controversy.
Regarding the farmers' issue, Sarma suggested that instead of spending large sums on advertisements, Chief Minister Gehlot should direct those funds to the farmers who have been allegedly deceived in the name of loan waivers.
Sarma arrived in Jodhpur today to participate in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Parivartan Sankalp Yatra. Addressing a public gathering, he asserted, "Gehlot has no right to remain in power. He has committed a sin by deceiving farmers. Farmers work tirelessly to provide us with food. Cheating them is unacceptable… distributing mobile phones cannot absolve you of this sin," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Sarma continued his criticism, questioning the necessity of Gehlot's large newspaper advertisements, arguing that the funds would be better spent if they were allocated to farmers and the general public.
Sarma went on to propose that Gehlot should refrain from contesting elections until farm loans are genuinely waived, stating, "In your lengthy political career, if you haven't earned any good deeds, at least do not commit sins," as reported by PTI.
Sarma's comments indicate a charged political atmosphere as Rajasthan gears up for Assembly elections scheduled for November. The ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP are currently engaged in a competitive race for power.
Finally, in response to the ongoing debate over Sanatan Dharma, Sarma accused Gehlot's administration of presiding over a state in which "Hindus are beheaded." This remark adds another layer of tension to Rajasthan's already tense political landscape, the report said.