Ashok Gehlot Slams Rajasthan Govt Over Gandhi Vatika Museum Delay

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot criticizes the Bhajanlal Sharma-led government for delaying the opening of the Gandhi Vatika Museum in Jaipur. Gehlot and other Gandhians announce a protest on September 28 at Central Park. The museum, built at a cost of Rs 85 crore, was inaugurated a year ago.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has sharply criticized the Bhajanlal Sharma-led state government for delaying the public opening of the Gandhi Vatika Museum in Jaipur. Gehlot and several Gandhians have announced a protest, scheduled for September 28, at Central Park, Jaipur.

In a social media post on X, Gehlot lambasted the BJP state administration for failing to open the museum despite its inauguration nearly a year ago. "This world-class museum, which has been built at a cost of about Rs 85 crore, remains inaccessible to the general public," he stated.

Gehlot also revealed that he had made a formal request to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to expedite the museum's opening. "I have personally and through a letter urged the Chief Minister to open this museum to promote Gandhiji's ideals of truth and non-violence," Gehlot added.

According to Gehlot, a dharna will be held on September 28 from 11 am to 4 pm at Gate No. 5 of Central Park near the museum. "To protest against the government's obstinance and to demand the opening of the Gandhi Vatika Museum, we will stage a dharna," he declared.

Gehlot had previously criticized the Rajasthan government in June for the same issue, attributing the opening delay to the Lok Sabha elections. "The elections are over, and the new government has been in power for over six months. It is baffling that the museum has still not been opened," he remarked.

He further urged the Chief Minister to inaugurate the museum without further delay, cautioning that continued inaction might compel Gandhians to escalate their protests. The Gandhi Vatika Museum was inaugurated on September 23, 2023, by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)