JAIPUR
Determined to repeat his government after the upcoming polls in November, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is on “schemes spree”, stealing a march on the BJP. Last week, Gehlot’s announcement aimed at reducing crimes against women, waiving power surcharge, and reservation is set to give relief to the common man.
In another significant move, CM Gehlot started distribution of free mobiles to women wooing this section of voters. He has already issued notification for creation of 19 new districts, which is being seen as a big move that will benefit Congress in elections. In fact, Gehlot’s decisions have been part of his strategy right from day one. The Old Pension Scheme, free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh under Chiranjeevi Swasthya Yojana, gas cylinder at the cost of Rs 500 only, etc. have already become issues at the national level. Gehlot’s schemes like Rs 1000 pension amount to old persons, free ration, meals for Rs 8 only, etc. have made it difficult for the Opposition to launch any campaign against the government.
Gehlot is also focusing on countering BJP’s “Hindutva agenda”. As part of this strategy, the CM got religious places renovated in Rajasthan. The CM has been celebrating all Hindu festivals with traditional fervour. All Congress leaders make it a point to attend puja functions. Former Union minister Jitendra Singh and state minister Tikaram Jully attended the programme of Pandit Pradeep Mishra. Next month, Congress leaders and ministers will attend the function of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham. All this suggests that Congress is not giving BJP any chance to push for the “Hindutva agenda”. Gehlot announced that no government jobs will be given to rape accused and history-sheeters in the state. This is being seen as Gehlot’s move to counter BJP’s agenda of women safety. The CM extended relief to farmers by waiving fuel charge on power bills. The government will bear financial burden to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore due to this waiver. In a big move ahead of elections, Gehlot announced a 6% quota for most backward castes within OBCs, in addition to existing 21% reservation.
Under the first phase of the Indira Gandhi Smartphones scheme, 40 lakh female beneficiaries who possess a Janadhar Card were given mobile phones. The government plans to extend this benefit to 1.35 crore women in the state. Free internet connectivity is also being given for three years.
In an outreach to the youth, Gehlot inaugurated the Rajiv Gandhi Rural and Urban Olympic Sports Competition. Sporting events will be held in around 11,252 gram panchayats and 538 urban regions of the state. More than 59 lakh competitors were registered for this. More than 25 lakh competitors are women. Congress has started meetings for finalising candidates for Assembly polls. The first list is expected to be released in the first week of September.