Jaipur, June 24 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has alleged that democratic values are under serious threat in the country, claiming that elected representatives are being bought and sold like horses, donkeys, buffaloes and goats while being treated as commodities in a political marketplace.

“Today, MPs and MLAs are being bought and sold in the same manner as horses, donkeys, buffaloes and goats are traded. This is the situation to which our democracy has been reduced,” Gehlot said on Tuesday while responding to a query on whether ‘Operation Lotus’ was once again underway in Rajasthan.

The former Chief Minister said developments across the country point towards a disturbing pattern of political defections that undermine the democratic mandate.

“Democracy is being systematically weakened. Look at what has happened in West Bengal. Out of 80 MLAs, 60 were split away. Out of 28 MPs, 20 disappeared, and on Monday, six more MPs left. These developments raise serious questions about the health of our democratic system,” he added.

Warning of the consequences of public apathy, Gehlot said, “If the public does not wake up and if the younger generation does not come forward to defend democratic principles, then it is difficult to predict what the future of this country will look like.”

Referring to the recent programme held in Kota, the veteran Congress leader added that it was organised as part of the nationwide campaign launched by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to protect the Constitution and raise issues concerning young people.

“The programme in Kota was part of Rahul Gandhi ji’s campaign to save the Constitution. One of the key concerns discussed was the immense pressure students face because of examinations, particularly NEET,” he said.

Gehlot added that detailed figures were presented before the public regarding the revenue collected from students and the Union government’s expenditure on education.

“Today, young people across the country are becoming aware of how much money is being collected from students and how much is actually being spent on education. The gap between the two is deeply concerning. What could be more shameful than this?” he said.

–IANS

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