Jaipur, June 22 (IANS) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday accused the Rajasthan government of failing to ensure proper treatment and care for women facing serious complications after Caesarean deliveries in government hospitals across Jodhpur, Kota and Bikaner.

After meeting affected families, Gehlot described the incidents as evidence of a collapsing healthcare system and demanded compensation for the victims, while highlighting his previous government’s flagship free healthcare scheme that provided treatment and medicines worth up to Rs 25 lakh.

Gehlot also accused the state government of failing to protect public health, suppressing dissent and deliberately delaying local body elections due to fear of defeat.

During his one-day visit to Jalore, Gehlot alleged that the government had become intolerant of criticism and was resorting to filing cases against protesters and opposition voices.

“There is virtually no government left. The government has lost the ability to listen to people. Those raising public issues are facing cases and even imprisonment,” he said.

Referring to the recent cancellation of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to the Balotra refinery, Gehlot termed it a serious administrative lapse.

“The Prime Minister’s visit had to be cancelled because of negligence at the refinery site. Such lapses could have resulted in a major incident,” he remarked.

When asked about speculation regarding a possible shift to Delhi politics, Gehlot responded in his trademark Marwari style: “Main thasu door nahi” (I am not far from you).

The veteran Congress leader said he was content with the opportunities given to him by both the people of Rajasthan and the Congress leadership.

“I consider myself the most satisfied politician in the country. The party and the people have given me everything by making me Chief Minister three times and electing me repeatedly as an MP and MLA. I will accept whatever responsibility the party assigns me — whether in Delhi, Rajasthan, the organisation, Jodhpur or Jalore. The party should bring forward whoever it considers strong,” he said.

Gehlot was in Jalore to attend a condolence meeting at the residence of former Public Grievance Redressal Committee Chairman Pukhraj Parashar and later inspected the new Congress office building in Sanjay Nagar.

Expressing concern over recent medical complications reported among women following Caesarean deliveries in government hospitals in Jodhpur, Kota and Bikaner, Gehlot alleged a complete failure of the state’s healthcare system.

“I have met the affected families. The government has failed in ensuring proper treatment and care for new mothers. Families who have suffered should be adequately compensated,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of his previous government, Gehlot said Rajasthan had pioneered a model of free healthcare by providing treatment and medicines worth up to Rs 25 lakh to citizens.

Gehlot also targeted the government over the delay in municipal and Panchayati Raj elections, alleging that the BJP was avoiding elections due to fear of losing.

“The government is afraid of facing the people. That is why urban local body and Panchayat elections are being delayed despite constitutional obligations and court directives,” he said.

Questioning the effectiveness of the government’s Ratri Chaupal initiative, Gehlot argued that genuine public interaction was missing.

“A real chaupal is where people can openly raise their problems and receive solutions. Today, citizens are not even able to ask questions at these events,” he said.

The former Chief Minister also demanded an impartial investigation into allegations related to Ram Temple donations, stating that the faith of millions of devotees was associated with the issue and any irregularities must be thoroughly examined.

–IANS

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