Ashok Gehlot slams Bhajanlal Sharma over farmer exploitation allegations
The former Rajasthan Chief Minister called the claims regarding his early business career false and fabricated.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday criticised Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for accusing him of exploiting farmers and selling counterfeit agricultural inputs. According to ANI, Gehlot stated that serious allegations should be fact-checked before being made, noting that political differences should not compromise the dignity of a position.
Gehlot responded to claims made by Sharma during a BJP campaign in Jodhpur on Wednesday. Sharma had alleged that prior to his political career, Gehlot operated a fertiliser and seed shop where he overcharged farmers and sold fake goods. Sharma also claimed that a warehouse linked to Gehlot had been raided.
In a post on X, Gehlot described the accusations as fabricated. He noted that when he ran a small fertiliser and seed business in Peepaar, Sharma would have been approximately five years old. Gehlot added that the shop was only in operation for six months before he went to study at Jodhpur University.
Sharma also questioned Gehlot's current influence within the Congress party, alleging the three-time Chief Minister has been sidelined by party leadership. He cited a recent rally where Govind Singh Dotasra spoke while Gehlot was not on stage.
Gehlot said he had given Sharma 24 hours to express regret for the personal allegations, but no such expression was made. He maintained that the accusations were false and lacked a factual basis.