Jaipur (Rajasthan):Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Rajasthan on Thursday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the PM office of removing his “scheduled 3-minute address from the program”. The PMO however denied the allegations saying that the decision had been made on the request of the CM office.
In a lengthy Twitter post, CM Gehlot said, “Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Today you are visiting Rajasthan. Your office PMO has removed my pre-scheduled 3-minute address from the program, so I will not be able to welcome you through speech, so I heartily welcome you to Rajasthan through this tweet”. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Rajasthan today where he will inaugurate various developmental projects.
Gehlot further said that the dedication and foundation laying of 12 medical colleges happening today was the “result of the partnership between the Rajasthan Government and the Centre”. “The project cost of these medical colleges is Rs 3,689 crore, of which Rs 2,213 crore is the contribution of the Center and Rs 1,476 crore of the state government. I congratulate everyone on behalf of the state government for this,” he said.
The Rajasthan CM also put forth the demands of the locals before the visiting PM. “Through this tweet, I am placing the demand that I have made through my speech in this program. I hope that you will fulfill them during this seventh yatra being done in 6 months,” he said. Gehlot said that on the demand of the youth of Rajasthan especially Shekhawati, the permanent recruitment in the army should be continued as before by withdrawing the Agniveer scheme.
He further said that the state government has waived loans worth Rs 15,000 crore of 21 lakh farmers from all the co-operative banks under it. “We have sent a one-time settlement proposal to the central government to waive off the loans of nationalized banks, in which we will give the farmers' share. This demand should be fulfilled,” he added.
The Rajasthan CM further said that the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution for caste census demanding that the Central Government should take a decision on this without delay.
“Due to the guidelines of NMC, the medical colleges being opened in our three districts are not getting any financial assistance from the central government. These are being built entirely with state funding. The central government should also give 60% funding to the medical colleges of these three tribal-dominated districts,” Gehlot said adding that the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) should also be given the status of a project of national importance.
Reacting to CM Gehlot's allegations that his speech had been removed from the programme, the PMO said in a Twitter post that it was the CM's office which had told the PMO that Gehlot will not be able to join the programme. “In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join,” PMO said in a statement.
“During PM Narendra Modi's previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence. You are most welcome to join today’s programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well. Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued,” the PMO said.
