Name forces trying to topple NDA government: Ashok Gehlot to Narendra Modi

JAIPUR: Reacting sharply to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the opposition and NGOs were conspiring to topple his government, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today alleged Modi was "diverting public attention" due to his "declining graph".

"As a matter of fact, it is all NDA government's failures. The Prime Minister is diverting the attention of public by making such statements after realising that his graph is going down," Gehlot told reporters after attending a programme at the Press Club here.

"Which forces are creating instability for the Modi government having a clear majority, PM should tell the nation," he said.

Modi had yesterday at Bargarh in Odisha, launched a scathing attack on Opposition groups as well as NGOs, stating that there were forces conspiring to topple his government because of his resolve to ensure corruption-free governance in the country.

Asked about the Jat stir in Haryana that has claimed 19 lives so far, Gehlot said there should have been a peaceful protest.

He also recalled how the Congress government had handled the Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan for reservation. He said his government resolved to end the impasse through positive action and contained violence.

On BJP MLA Kailash Choudhary's alleged derogatory remarks against Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Gehlot said if BJP did not agree with its MLA's remarks, then he (Kailash) should be sacked from the party.

Addressing a book release function earlier today, the Congress leader said it was for the first time in the country that the BJP government ordered closing of two universities, namely Haridev Joshi Mass Communication University and Ambedkar Law University without citing any reason.

He appealed the Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Kailsah Meghwal, who was also present on the occasion, to allow the institutes to function.

Meghwal expressed concern over the "growing influence of regionalism in politics".

"National character is ending. And regionalism is growing in politics," he remarked.