The Congress was left red-faced after a group of devotees chanted "Modi, Modi" while Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was visiting the Ramdevra temple in Jaisalmer on Friday. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with several BJP leaders tweeting it to take a swipe at the Congress government in Rajasthan.
The video shows Gehlot entering the temple premises and walking towards the sanctum sanctorum to offer prayers when some of the devotees who were standing in queues raised slogans in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shouting "Modi-Modi".
The Rajsthan CM can be seen waving back at the devotees.
"Gehlot ji who reached Ramdevra was welcomed with slogans in the name of our respected Prime Minister! Devotees were expressing their choice by raising slogans and Gehlot ji was accepting the greetings by waving hands," tweeted
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
BJP state president Satish Poonia tweeted the video and described the "welcome" of Ashok Gehlot as "trends for 2023 and 2024 elections".
Rajasthan goes to polls in 2023 while Lok Sabha election is slated to be held in 2024.
However, an eyewitness at the temple said some of the devotees standing in queues raised 'Ashok Gehlot Zindabad' (Long Live Gehlot) slogan when the Chief Minister reached there. Gehlot then interacted with a few of the devotees while walking, PTI reported.
Soon, another group of devotees from behind shouted 'Modi-Modi'. Gehlot moved ahead and waved.
The veteran Congress leader offered prayers at the temple of local deity Baba Ramdev and prayed for the prosperity of the state, an official said.
Earlier in the day, Gehlot reached the Ramdevra village in a helicopter. He was accompanied by Ramdevra temple head priest Kamal Chhangani, Superintendent of Police Bhanwar Singh Nathawat, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Vishnoi and other officials.
The village is currently hosting its annual 'Ramdevra fair', which is attended by lakhs of devotees. The fair commenced on August 29 and will continue till September 13.
After Ramdevra, CM Gehlot reached Bhatiyana sub-division and laid the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 50 crore.
Addressing a gathering at the event, Gehlot said Rajasthan's health and agriculture model was appreciated across the country and infrastructure had been strengthened.
The chief minister said the state government was committed to complete Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
(With PTI inputs)