Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : Gehlot slams ‘Hindus-in-Threat’ narrative, clarifies stand on dynastic politics and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading what he termed as a “misleading narrative” that Hindus are under threat in India.
Addressing the media, Gehlot asserted that the majority community cannot be under threat in the country. Referring to history, he said that even during the rule of the Mughals and the British, such a threat perception did not exist.
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“In post-Independence India, when Hindus have been in power, what can pose a threat to the principal community?” he asked, calling the narrative a deliberate attempt to mislead people.
Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gehlot said that after coming to power in 2014 with strong public support, Modi had the opportunity to emerge as a statesman but instead focused on political slogans like “Congress-mukt Bharat” and “Opposition-free India.” He added that governance should prioritise national interest over electoral victories.
Gehlot also raised concerns about the functioning of democratic institutions, alleging that central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department were being misused. He further claimed that democratic values were weakening and that the country’s political environment was becoming increasingly polarised.
Referring to recent political developments, he cited concerns raised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and alleged that opposition voices were being suppressed.
On the issue of dynastic politics, responding to remarks by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Gehlot clarified that he was not opposed to family members entering politics. However, he stressed that they should not interfere in governance or decision-making.
“What is wrong in bringing sons, daughters, or relatives into politics? But they should not interfere in government work,” he said, adding that such interference can lead to favouritism and corruption, ultimately damaging the government’s image.
Speaking about his son Vaibhav Gehlot, Gehlot maintained that he had never allowed family interference in official matters. He said his family did not reside with him at the Chief Minister’s official residence and that he played no role in his son’s political or organisational pursuits, including his association with the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
Gehlot reiterated that his remarks were aimed at discouraging undue influence of relatives in governance, not at opposing their participation in public life.