JAIPUR: In a bold assertion on Saturday, Rajasthan's Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot confidently stated that there exists no anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress, expressing firm belief that the party will secure victory and form the government in the state once more.
Addressing the ongoing voting process in the state, Gehlot remarked on the apparent undercurrent of support, hinting at the likelihood of a repeat Congress government.
Speaking from Jodhpur, Gehlot emphasized the Congress's campaign focus on developmental issues, contrasting it with what he labeled as the BJP leaders' use of inflammatory language, notably by the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and BJP-led state Chief Ministers.
"The attempts by BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, to incite the public have been perceived by the electorate. It seems evident that the Congress government will return," Gehlot conveyed to PTI in Jodhpur.
Highlighting the Congress's initiatives during their tenure, Gehlot underscored the legislative strides taken for the welfare of gig workers, the right to health, and the introduction of various schemes benefiting the populace.
Enumerating seven guarantees pledged by the Congress if re-elected, including an annual honorarium for women heading families and subsidized LPG cylinders for over one crore families, Gehlot drew parallels with Kerala's re-election based on their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Confident in the prospects of retaining power, Gehlot asserted, "Judging from the prevailing sentiment, I am confident that the Congress government will return."
Vaibhav Gehlot, Rajasthan Cricket Association president and the CM's son, echoed this sentiment, lauding the Congress's guarantees as a potential game-changer. He dismissed allegations against his father regarding the so-called "red diary" as fabricated.
"The seven guarantees will prove to be a game-changer for the Congress," Vaibhav Gehlot affirmed to reporters in Jodhpur before casting his vote.
Responding to queries on his father's potential fourth term as Chief Minister if the Congress secures victory, Vaibhav stated that such decisions lie with the party high command, emphasizing unity among Congress leaders.
Polling commenced on Saturday for the 199 assembly seats in Rajasthan, with the BJP making a determined effort to seize power from the Congress, which aims to break the state's historical pattern of anti-incumbency.
Rajasthan boasts a total of 200 assembly seats, with polling conducted on 199 seats, while the election in Karanpur of Sriganganagar district was postponed following the demise of Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar.
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