Lokesh Sharma, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Ashok Gehlot, unleashed a blistering critique against the outgoing Chief Minister, attributing the Congress party's downfall in the Assembly elections, whose results were unveiled recently, squarely to Gehlot's leadership.
The BJP's sweeping victory, clinching 115 seats in the 199-member Assembly, dealt a significant blow to the Congress, which was reduced to a mere 69 seats.
Expressing disappointment yet minimal surprise at the outcome, Sharma directly implicated Ashok Gehlot for hindering transformative changes within Rajasthan. He asserted that Gehlot's reluctance for change resulted in the party's defeat, remarking that the loss was not solely the Congress's, but Gehlot's personal defeat.
Highlighting that the party had rallied under Gehlot's stewardship, Sharma criticized Gehlot's leadership style, asserting that despite his experience and extensive campaigning efforts, Gehlot failed to secure victory for the Congress. Sharma accused Gehlot of diminishing the party's standing, claiming that while he had consistently received support from the party, he had not reciprocated by ensuring the party's grip on power.
Sharma didn't hold back, further censuring Gehlot for manipulating circumstances, impeding genuine feedback, suppressing potential alternatives, and making decisions driven by self-centered motives. He lamented the Chief Minister's dismissal of constructive criticism and surveys, instead favoring his preferred candidates for electoral tickets.
Sharma, who aspired to contest elections from Bikaner and later Bhilwara but was denied tickets, emphasized his efforts in connecting with the electorate, conducting dialogues with thousands of youths, and submitting comprehensive ground reports to Gehlot. He expressed disappointment over Gehlot's reluctance to embrace change or consider innovative strategies, citing instances where his insights were disregarded, leading to electoral setbacks, including the prediction of B.D. Kalla's loss in the elections.
Sharma's allegations shed light on the internal conflicts and dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks, highlighting the clash of strategies and perspectives within the party's leadership.
(With Agency Inputs)
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