PMO and Ashok Gehlot clash in heated exchange over Rajasthan event invitation
New Delhi, July 27: Tensions rose as a war of words erupted between the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot ahead of the scheduled event in Rajasthan on Thursday.
Gehlot took to Twitter, expressing his disappointment that his pre-scheduled three-minute address at the programme had been removed. He claimed that the PMO had excluded his speech from the event, preventing him from welcoming the Prime Minister during the visit.
In response, the PMO refuted the allegations through a series of tweets, clarifying that Gehlot's speech was indeed part of the program. The PMO explained that Gehlot's office had conveyed his inability to attend the event. The PMO emphasised that Gehlot had been invited in accordance with protocol and had always been welcome at previous events.
माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी जी,
आज आप राजस्थान पधार रहे हैं। आपके कार्यालय PMO ने मेरा पूर्व निर्धारित 3 मिनट का संबोधन कार्यक्रम से हटा दिया है इसलिए मैं आपका भाषण के माध्यम से स्वागत नहीं कर सकूंगा अतः मैं इस ट्वीट के माध्यम से आपका राजस्थान में तहेदिल से स्वागत करता… — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) July 27, 2023
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The scheduled event focused on the inauguration and foundation laying of 12 medical colleges, a collaborative effort between the Rajasthan government and the Centre. Gehlot highlighted the financial involvement of both parties in this significant project.
Shri @ashokgehlot51 Ji,
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.
During PM @narendramodi’s previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those… https://t.co/BHQkHCHJzQ — PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 27, 2023
The Chief Minister used the opportunity to list several demands to the Prime Minister, including the continuation of permanent recruitment in the army as before, the waiver of loans for farmers, the fulfillment of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly's resolution for caste census, financial assistance for medical colleges in certain districts, and granting national importance status to the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
Rajasthan, being due for elections soon, adds political significance to the ongoing conflict between the PMO and the Chief Minister.
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- With inputs from agencies
