Jaipur: Amid alleged MLA poaching bid by the BJP in Rajasthan before the schedule elections to Rajya Sabha, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that democracy was in danger and people should question the centre.
Addressing a press conference, he accused the BJP of indulging in politics in the name of nationalism and religion.
Democracy in danger, says CM Gehlot "The democracy today is under threat. We have no enmity with the RSS or the BJP but we have a fight of ideology, policies and programmes. They should also do this. The public should pressure the government and ask what it has done for them," he said.
Stressing that the fight should be for ideology, policies and programme, Gehlot told reporters after returning from Mumbai, "They have created an atmosphere in the name of nationalism and religion and doing politics for that."
On the BJP suggesting the Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar, the chief minister said the party had a fascist ideology and did not consider what the public or other political parties think.
Read: Rajasthan Congress MLAs stay overnight at resort to thwart 'poaching bid'
"In a democracy, sentiments of the opposition are considered but for them, the opposition holds no value," he said.
He said that it was the BJP's intention to ensure a one-party rule in the country.
Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the Congress of dynasty politics, the chief minister said no one could stop anyone from joining politics in a democracy. "This is a useless thing. It is not the era of kingdoms where the one born to the queen will rule. It's a democracy where people elect those whom they like," he said.
The chief minister exuded confidence that their party would win the October 21 bypolls in Mandawa (Jhunjhunu) and Khimsar (Nagaur) in the state.
Sachin Pilot allays fears regarding RS polls and claims ruling front stand united Meanwhile, Deputy CM Sachin Pilot while speaking to the reporters said, "Our party, MLAs from supporting parties and independent MLAs who are supporting us, all are united. We have more than the required number for the majority. Our Rajya Sabha candidates Neeraj Dangi and KC Venugopal will win."
"Due to lockdown we couldn't meet with our MLAs earlier, there is a restriction on the number of people gathering, that is why we brought everyone to the hotel so we could speak in open," he added.
The comments came after Congress Chief Whip in the state Assembly Mahesh Joshi on Wednesday wrote to Director General of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) alleging that attempts are being made to destabilise the State Government by luring his party's MLAs and independent MLAs who support the Government.
(With inputs from PTI)
