Ashok Gehlot, PMO spar over 'missing' invite for 3-minute speech

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister's Office strongly countered Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's allegation that his name was dropped as one of the speakers at an event held in Sikar Thursday in which PM Narendra Modi addressed a rally and laid foundation stones of multiple projects.

The CM tweeted, "Today, you will be visiting Rajasthan. Your office, PMO, has removed my pre-scheduled three-minute address from the programme, so I will not be able to welcome you through the speech. I heartily welcome you to Rajasthan through this tweet."

Countering Gehlot's claim, the PMO said, "As per protocol, you had been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join." It added, "During PM Modi's previous visits as well, you have always been invited and have also graced those programmes with your presence."



The PMO, through a tweet further said, "You are most welcome to join today's programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well." It also referred to Gehlot's injury, saying, "Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued."

PMO sources said two separate events were held in Sikar - one organised by the government and the other by BJP. "The government event was held precisely so that he can participate. However, he wanted to join the physical programme in Sikar virtually which is not as per normal protocol," the source said.

Gehlot claimed that the inauguration and foundation laying of 12 medical colleges was the result of the partnership between the Rajasthan government and the Centre. The project cost of these medical colleges was estimated at Rs 3,689 crore, of which Rs 2,213 crore will be the Centre's share and Rs 1,476 crore of the state government.

The CM also put forth his demands in the tweet. "Through this tweet, I am putting forward the demands I would have made through my speech in this programme. I hope during this seventh visit in six months, you will complete these," Gehlot said, adding, "On the demand of the youth of Rajasthan, especially in Shekhawati, permanent recruitment in the Army should be continued as before by withdrawing the Agniveer scheme."

Reacting to Gehlot's remarks, leader of opposition in Rajasthan assembly and senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore said, "Thank you Gehlot ji. At least you have accepted that the central government also has a contribution in the medical colleges in the state. It would have been better if you had paid attention to the faculty and other resources in the previously operated medical colleges."