Election Ready? Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Hints At Early Budget

While speculation is rife about his future as the Rajasthan Chief minister, that seems to have had little effect on Ashok Gehlot as he hinted that the state budget for 2023-24 could be proposed before time – in the month of January.

JAIPUR | Updated: 04 October, 2022 9:17 pm IST

While speculation is rife about his future as the Rajasthan Chief minister, that seems to have had little effect on Ashok Gehlot as he hinted that the state budget for 2023-24 could be proposed before time – in the month of January.

Gehlot reasoned that if the budget comes on time, then its implementation can also be done on time. “Its benefits also reach the general public on time. The public will also be able to express their problems with the budget,” the beleaguered Rajasthan CM said on Tuesday.

“Being the election year, the budget can be brought a month in advance. If the budget comes on time, then it will also be on time to implement on the ground. Supporters and opposition also get a chance to express their views,” he reasoned.

“It is our endeavour that the general public should get the benefits of public welfare schemes and we are working continuously to bring them to fruition,” he added.

On Tuesday, the CM also held a review meeting of budget announcements at the secretariat. He held detailed discussions with the secretaries of various departments regarding the implementation of the announcements, the situation on the ground and the upcoming action plan.

The Chief Minister said that out of 2722 budget announcements for the last 4 years, approvals have been issued for 2429 (89 per cent). At the same time, 2067 (76 per cent) announcements have been implemented.

Gehlot directed the officials to complete the remaining announcements soon. He said that not a single person should be deprived of the benefits of the schemes, so maximum publicity should be given to them. He directed the departmental officers to take feedback from the general public and complete them in a better way.

With the state assembly election a year later, CM Gehlot is leaving no stone unturned with the hope of impressing the party’s high command and winning back the favour following the recent political storm in the state.

Gehlot will undoubtedly be looking for a lifeline – not only to thwart his archrival Sachin Pilot’s attempt, but also to stamp his class as the capable administrator and astute politician that he is.

However, the latest development could also mean that Gehlot might be looking forward to advancing the elections and starting afresh, giving little time to Pilot to entrench himself.

Whatever the reason is, it is clear that one should not be swayed by the recent lull in Rajasthan politics.

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