Rajasthan govt's 'Gram Vikas Chaupal' reduced to image-building exercise: Gehlot

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the state government of using its rural outreach initiative, 'Gram Vikas Chaupal', as an image-building exercise rather than addressing villagers' concerns.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday alleged that the state government's rural outreach initiative, 'Gram Vikas Chaupal', has turned into an image-building exercise instead of serving as a platform to address villagers' concerns and grassroots issues.

In a statement, the Congress leader said the programme could have been an effective forum to gather feedback from villagers and resolve their problems, but claimed it was being used merely to project a positive image of the government.

Gehlot alleged that instead of inviting all villagers and listening to their grievances, only BJP workers and beneficiaries of government schemes were being called to these chaupals to avoid criticism.

''It appears that the chief minister lacks the willingness to listen to criticism and directly engage with public issues. As a result, these events have turned into 'selective gatherings' rather than true Gram Vikas Chaupals,'' he said.

He also criticised the state government's 'Gram Vikas Rath', calling it ineffective and claiming that such initiatives have become a subject of ridicule.

''Despite being in power for over two-and-a-half years, the government has failed to deliver any major benefits to the people on a large scale. Yet, 'Vikas Raths' have been flagged off, which are facing opposition in villages,'' he alleged.

Gehlot added that earlier campaigns, such as rural and urban service camps, and now the development raths, were failing, and urged the government to introspect in the public interest.