Ashok Gehlot hints at continuing as Rajasthan CM, asks people to send budget ideas directly to him

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot asked people to send budget suggestions directly to him, dropping hints that he would continue as the chief minister. Congress plunged into crisis in Rajasthan after more than 80 state legislators, loyalists of Gehlot, quit.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot dropped ample hints that he would continue for the top post as he asked people to send budget suggestions directly to him. Gehlot appealed to the youth, students and the public in general to send their suggestions directly to him so the government could come up with better schemes.

Asked about whether he would present the next budget of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot said, "I would want people to send their suggestions for the budget directly to me." He said the Congress government will complete its five years and that the next budget will be dedicated to students and the youth. He also said the Congress will not let the BJP succeed in its plan to topple the government.

"We will present the budget for the youth and children. I appeal to all people, youths and students to send their suggestions to his office to be evaluated and included in the proposals. This will enable the government to implement various schemes and programmes for youth welfare and skill development. The youths are the future of the nation and they should come forward. Many journalists get jail terms for two years and are released on bail, which is not good."

Hitting out at the BJP, Gehlot said,"They keep making efforts to ensure that our government does not complete five years. Earlier, too, the BJP tried horse trading but our MLAs were united and they did not budge. You can see the government was saved last time and it is still going strong."

Ashok Gehlot, who opted out of the Congress presidential poll race, said Sonia Gandhi would decide who will be the CM in a day or two.

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Three days back, when a political crisis was brewing in Rajasthan, he met Sonia Gandhi and apologised to her for the mass rebellion of MLAs. The three-time Rajasthan chief minister described himself as a disciplined soldier of the party and expressed his sadness over the turn of events in the state.