Kota, Oct 30 Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday launched the state chapter of the BJP’s nationwide ‘Loktantra Bachao-Arajakata Hatao’ (Save Democracy, End Anarchy) campaign in Kota and accused the Congress of disregarding democratic principles and violating the Constitution.
Sharma, accompanied by state BJP president Madan Rathore, arrived at Kota airport in the afternoon and headed to 7 Wonders Park, where the two leaders addressed a gathering before taking part in a padyatra under the campaign.
The chief minister walked for a short distance during the march before leaving for the airport. State Education Minister Madan Dilawar, Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar, MLA Kalpana Devi, Sandeep Sharma and hundreds of party workers participated in the padyatra.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma accused the Congress of undermining democracy and dividing society.
He alleged that the party praised democracy and electronic voting machines when election results favoured it, but questioned the democratic process whenever it faced defeat.
Recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975 under the Congress government, Sharma said those who fought for democracy suffered, with their families and students also affected.
He contrasted the BJP’s record with that of the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, claiming that the Congress had generated 3,800 MW of electricity during its five-year tenure, while the BJP government had generated 12,000 MW in two-and-a-half years.
Sharma also said 410 examinations had been conducted without any paper leak under his government, while around 600 people had been arrested in connection with earlier paper leak cases.
He said appointment letters had been issued to 1.92 lakh youths, recruitment was underway for 1.18 lakh posts and advertisements had been issued for 1.25 lakh vacancies.
On anti-corruption measures, Sharma claimed that more than 265 officers and employees had been suspended and disciplinary action taken against around 700 personnel. Some had also faced withholding of pension or dismissal, he said.
“Modi will not rest until every home, farmer, worker and woman is economically empowered and self-reliant,” Sharma said.
Rathore, in his address, accused opposition leaders, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, of creating disorder and lowering the dignity of public office.
Referring to an incident involving a woman police officer, he condemned the conduct of opposition leaders and said such actions brought shame to democratic institutions.
Speaking to reporters, Rathore said the Congress, which once held power in several states, was losing its political influence. He claimed that the BJP and its NDA allies governed around 80 per cent of the country’s territory.
He also accused the opposition of fomenting disorder with foreign funding and hired crowds.
The campaign had been launched to make people aware of what the BJP described as the Congress’s agenda, Rathore said.
(PTI News)
