Ashok Gehlot Confident in Congress Victory in Haryana: Condemns Violent Atmosphere

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed confidence in the Congress party's anticipated victory in the Haryana assembly elections. He also criticized opponents for creating an atmosphere of violence, condemned derogatory remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and spoke on various issues including the formation of districts in Rajasthan and the controversy over the 'prasad' of Sri Tirupati Temple.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday expressed confidence that the Congress party will secure a decisive victory in the upcoming Haryana assembly elections. Speaking to reporters at Jaipur airport, he condemned opponents for fostering a climate of violence and targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Gehlot critiqued Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu's comments, noting, ''For the first time in my life, I am hearing such language. Leaders linked to BJP are speaking, but neither the BJP nor RSS is commenting.'' He added that senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, should denounce such remarks.

On other matters, Gehlot addressed the creation of new districts in Rajasthan, emphasizing the benefits for local administration, and called for a judicial committee to investigate the controversy over the 'prasad' of Sri Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)