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In PM Modi's presence, Gehlot's ‘respect for Opposition’ swipe: ‘I think you will also move in this direction’
With elections due in Rajasthan later this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot are expected to trade more barbs.
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said the opposition should be respected in a democracy and expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “will also move in this direction.” Gehlot was addressing a gathering in Rajsamand district's Nathdwara town where Prime Minister Modi launched various projects costing over ₹5,500 crore.
"If this is done, the ruling dispensation and the opposition will be able to serve the country with more vigour," the senior Congress leader said in the presence of Modi.
Gehlot stressed that in a democracy there is no enmity but a fight of ideology and everyone has the right to speak.
"The opposition should be respected. I think you (PM) will also move in this direction," the Rajasthan chief minister said.
Prime Minister Modi also launched a veiled attack on Congress saying “negative people do not have a far-sighted vision and they can't think beyond their political interests.”
"Today I have inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of infrastructure projects worth more than ₹5500 crore. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan for these development projects. Our government is focusing on providing modern infrastructure in Rajasthan," the Prime Minister said.
"If enough medical colleges had been built earlier, we would not have had to face the shortage of doctors, if every household had water, we would not have had to start the ₹3.5 lakh crore Jal Jeevan Mission. Negative people do not have a far-sighted vision and they can't think beyond their political interests," he added.
He said along with basic facilities, modern infrastructure is also necessary for fast-paced development.
"Some people are filled with so much negativity that they can't see any good things happening in the country. They only like to create controversy. You might have heard some people say 'Ki atta pehle, ya data pehle' but history is witness that along with basic facilities, modern infrastructure is also necessary for fast-paced development," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
