Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public rally in Baran’s Anta in poll-bound Rajasthan, launched a scathing attack on Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, referring to him as a “jaadugar” (magician). PM Modi alleged that Gehlot’s face is fading away with each turning page of the ‘red diary,’ claiming documentation of land, forest, and water being sold during the last five years of Congress’ governance.
The Prime Minister accused the Congress-led government in the state of selling off vital resources, stating, “Nowadays, there is talk of the Red diary, and the Jadugar ji’s face is fading away with each turning page of the Red diary. In this red dairy, it is clearly written how your land, water, and forest have been sold out.”
The BJP has intensified its accusations, claiming possession of a “Red diary” containing alleged incriminating material against the Gehlot-led government. Purported pictures of the diary have circulated on social media.
The controversy surrounding the “Red Diary” gained prominence after former Minister of State Rajendra Singh Gudha raised concerns about women’s safety in the state during the Assembly session in July. Subsequently, he was dismissed by the Gehlot government. Gudha later released a “Red diary,” sharing purported excerpts to highlight irregularities in elections to the Rajasthan Cricket Association and alleging corruption within the state government.
PM Modi used the occasion to criticize the Congress party, labeling it a symbol of “corruption, dynasty, and appeasement.” He stated, “Congress is the biggest symbol of these three evils,” and emphasized the need to address these challenges for the development of both India and Rajasthan.
Describing the Congress as “unrestrained,” PM Modi claimed that the party had handed over the public of Rajasthan to “looters, rioters, and criminals.”
As Rajasthan prepares for assembly elections on November 25, with the exception of the Karanpur assembly constituency where elections were adjourned due to the demise of the Congress candidate Gurmeet Singh Koonar, the political landscape is heating up. In the 2018 assembly elections, Congress won 99 seats, and the BJP secured 73 seats in the 200-member House. Gehlot assumed the position of Chief Minister with the support of BSP MLAs and Independents.
