Open Letter to PM: Gehlot Criticizes BJP for Halting Key Welfare Schemes in Rajasthan

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has criticized the BJP-led Rajasthan government in an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing it of systematically dismantling popular welfare schemes established under the Congress administration. Gehlot asserted that the BJP's actions to either halt or alter these programs have triggered significant public resentment, as these initiatives were widely regarded as setting a national standard for social and economic justice.

Highlighting the Congress government’s focus on inclusive social welfare, Gehlot stated that the party has consistently transformed its manifesto into actionable policies.

In each term, after forming the government in Rajasthan, the Congress manifesto was adopted as the state’s policy document in the first cabinet meeting, serving as a foundation for a series of welfare programs. These initiatives, he argued, underscored the Congress's commitment to inclusive development and set a benchmark for governance, particularly in social security and healthcare.

Gehlot emphasized that Congress-led administrations in Rajasthan had pioneered numerous social security schemes aimed at bolstering public welfare. Among these, the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has been particularly impactful, providing enhanced social security for state employees. Furthermore, the Congress government enacted legislation supporting minimum income and social security pensions, signaling an enduring commitment to social welfare.

Referring to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Gehlot critiqued the central government’s approach, stating that the scheme currently limits free insurance coverage to ₹5 lakh for citizens over 70. In contrast, he noted that the Congress administration in Rajasthan had implemented a cashless insurance policy offering coverage of up to ₹25 lakh for all residents, significantly expanding access to healthcare.

Gehlot alleged that the BJP government’s decision to discontinue or dilute these schemes has stirred widespread dissatisfaction among the people of Rajasthan. He urged PM Modi to commission a study to assess the level of public discontent in the state due to the rollback of Congress-led initiatives.

In closing, Gehlot expressed dismay at the Prime Minister’s recent remarks, asserting that the Modi administration has not fulfilled several of its commitments to the public made in the 2014 and 2019 election cycles.