NEW DELHI: In an exclusive interview with The New Indian‘s Executive Editor Rohan Dua, Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, reflected on his illustrious political career with the Congress Party. From contesting elections at 24 to winning the Lok Sabha seat in 1980 and serving as Chief Minister three times, Gehlot shared insights into his journey and current aspirations.
The interview also delves into recent controversies, including the Lal diary implicating Congress leaders, and allegations against his son, Vaibhav Gehlot, which he dismissed as election tactics.
Read the full interview for Gehlot’s perspectives on governance, party dynamics, and his vision for the future.
Rohan Dua: Reflecting on your journey with the Congress Party, how do you feel about your career, considering milestones such as running for elections at 24, winning the Lok Sabha seat in 1980, becoming Deputy Sports Minister at 33 in 1984, and serving as Chief Minister three times? What further aspirations do you have?
Ashok Gehlot: “I am not just satisfied, I am an extremely satisfied politician. I have had many opportunities to work in the party for a long time. I have worked with Indira (Gandhi), Rajiv (Gandhi), and Sonia (Gandhi). I have fulfilled all the responsibilities that I have been given with full honesty, and dedication. I am completely satisfied as I am a hard worker.”
Rohan Dua: Does the fulfillment of being a Chief Minister still resonate with you, or has it waned now that you’ve achieved both the role of Chief Minister and Union Minister?
Ashok Gehlot: “I have entrusted this decision to the High Command because, given the substantial confidence they have placed in me, it is only natural that the party’s well-being is a top priority. Therefore, I am committed to carrying out any tasks or responsibilities as directed by the High Command.”
Rohan Dua: But what is your wish?
Ashok Gehlot: “I’ve stated that I am dedicated to enhancing the party, and I will operate in accordance with the directives of the high command.”
Rohan Dua: Having viewed your recent X video commending Sachin Pilot, it reminded me of 2018 when your party’s seats jumped from 21 to 100. Considering Sachin Pilot’s appointment as Deputy CM while you assumed the role of CM, do you think the division of responsibilities was equitable?
Rajasthan Polls| Ashok Gehlot On Pilot
Q: Whether he feels guilt that it was Sachin Pilot who slogged to lift tally of Congress from 21 to 100 seats in 2018 but Gehlot became CM? Is that being Jaadugar or cheater?
Answer: वो बात पुरानी हो गयी अब छोड़ो।
Rohan Dua interviews CM… pic.twitter.com/EEqeD6AvCk
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 25, 2023
Ashok Gehlot: “It’s an old story; we’ve all moved forward. Our current priority is winning the election. The Congress has the potential to revive democracy in India, considering the deteriorating state of the constitution. There’s considerable pressure from the judiciary, and the key agencies—home, income tax, ED, CBI, economic offenses—need to operate independently. Crimes should be curbed, and income tax revenues should increase organically. Unfortunately, these agencies are being manipulated to undermine and influence the government.”
Rohan Dua: You mentioned ED misuse linked to the Laal Diary. I’m intrigued by the entry where Lokesh Sharma, OSD, expresses frustration about meeting the CM due to orchestrated interference by Shashikant Sharma, OSD. Can you explain? Additionally, the diary by Dharmendra Rathore, your ally, is under scrutiny. Despite Rajendra Gudha having the diary, significant sections are reportedly still under his control. Rumours suggest that Lokesh Sharma’s meeting with Sachin Pilot, causing your displeasure, led to the documented events. Can you clarify these aspects?
Ashok Gehlot: “I don’t have any information about these things. I don’t have information about Lal Diary or about these things.”
Rohan Dua: Dharmendra Rathore’s notes mention Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi, implicating Sandeep Singh for buying a Ferrari. Priyanka Gandhi is said to advocate for Singh’s position in Mewat Vikas Board, arranging a hotel, and extending his stay at Jai Mahal. Additionally, Rathore seeks updates or promotion for his wife to Chief Secretary post after DB Gupta’s retirement, who was later appointed Chief Information Officer. Can you shed light on these details?
Ashok Gehlot: “I have no knowledge of it. But this diary was made last night. I have no information about this diary.”
Rohan Dua: Where did this diary come from?
Ashok Gehlot: “I don’t know. I consider it some kind of a joke. If there is a crime in this, then the ED, Income Tax, and CBI should give the diary. Let them see why people are going around. I want a diary. Let Prime Minister submit the diary to ED, CBI and Income Tax Department. If any such diary exists.”
Rohan Dua: But the diary exists, as the pages are in front of you. The diary has been flashed.
Ashok Gehlot: “I’m not denying its existence.”
Rohan Dua: As a journalist, I find it perplexing that detailed notes in a diary by someone closely associated with you are being denied. How is it possible to refute such intricate details mentioned in those notes?
Ashok Gehlot: “There could be numerous individuals close to me who may be maintaining diaries. It’s not within my capacity to speculate on what they may or may not be writing.”
Rohan Dua: Recalling your term as CM in 2003-04, could you reflect on the pride and experience of assuming that role? Additionally, how has your perspective evolved since then, and what holds significance for you in your current role?
Ashok Gehlot: “During that period, we encountered four consecutive droughts, gaining national recognition for what was considered effective management. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee even praised our efforts. However, as elections neared, there was a shift, with workers turning against me, resulting in a strike.
“In 2003, we achieved significant milestones, such as providing free medicines and tests, earning widespread popularity. Despite being hailed as the No.1 CM by India Today, we secured only 56 seats. In the subsequent term, despite our noteworthy efforts, the Modi wave overshadowed us. I remained unwavering in my commitment to work, and despite challenges, we attained success.”
EXPLOSIVE INTERVIEW | Gehlot on recoveries | Rajasthan Polls
CM Ashok Gehlot, when asked about recovery of Rs 2 crore in cash & one kg of gold by ED in Jal Jeevan Mission Scam in Rajasthan
Was government money diverted for Gehlot’s campaign?
“My son has not made a single… pic.twitter.com/b6r6KFRMNC
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 25, 2023
Rohan Dua: In your public speeches, you’ve announced initiatives like distributing smartphones to women, and currently, you propose giving Rs 10,000 to women as part of your policy. While programmes like the Cheerenjeevi Yojna, uplifting Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, provide a safety net, is it ethical to secure votes through the distribution of freebies such as smartphones, laptops, or cash incentives like the mentioned Rs 10,000?
Ashok Gehlot: “These are not freebies, this is a part of our policy. It is a central government scheme. We have provided such benefits before; 10 years ago, we distributed 1 lakh 32 thousand phones and laptops. When the government changed, they stopped it. These same schemes are being implemented in UP during the PM’s campaign.”
Rohan Dua: But when BJP provides such benefits, Congress claims it’s just a ‘jumla’.
Ashok Gehlot: “No, we don’t say that. We say they are doing their work, and we are doing ours. We have a request, if you find it good, please send it. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi passed four laws – MGNREGA, Food Security Act, RTE, and RTI. A fifth law, Right to Social Security, should be enacted within the country.
“Rahul Gandhi proposed the Nyay Yojna of 6,000, and this is just an extension of that. Every family that is needy, also every youth should get a weekly fortune. You get this in European countries. If you are going to become a Vishwa Guru then at least you should not be malnourished. At least you should get food social security.”
EXPLOSIVE INTERVIEW: CM Ashok Gehlot tells Executive Editor Rohan Dua
Q: क्या अब संतुष्टि है की मुख्य मंत्री भी बन गये तीन बार? यूनियन मंत्री भी बन गये?
Ans: यह मैंने छोड़ रखा है हाई कमांड पर । जब इतना सब कुछ दे दिया तो नेचुरल है की पार्टी को नुक़सान ना हो। मेरी इच्छा कुछ भी हो pic.twitter.com/KeGgIuTKvE
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) November 25, 2023
Rohan Dua: According to the BJP, when Sachin Pilot receives Rs 2.35 crores, Ashok Gehlot remains silent on schemes and welfare. The claim is that Pilot received the mentioned amount and 1 kg of gold from the secretariat in 2006, coinciding with the opening of a hotel and a taxi company funded through these transactions. Can you address these allegations?
Ashok Gehlot: “You can very well see that these raids have been conducted in a lawless manner everywhere in the country.”
Rohan Dua: The ED summons your son Vaibhav, alleging the 2006 opening of a hotel and taxi company with questionable funding. Drawing parallels with Amit Shah’s son leading BCCI, your son leads the Rajasthan Cricket Association. Why hasn’t Congress questioned Ashok Gehlot in this regard?
Ashok Gehlot: “I don’t know what others say; all these are just tactics to win elections. I don’t know what they say, I believe that Vaibhav Gehlot has no investment. He was sitting at the president’s house for 10 hours and didn’t ask anything. Babu Gehlot and his sons have the right to win the elections.”
