Ashok Gehlot Challenges Amit Shah Over Udaipur Murder Case Amid Political Tensions

Gehlot's Response to Shah's Remarks

Jaipur: On Sunday, Ashok Gehlot, the former chief minister of Rajasthan, responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's comments regarding the Congress party's stance on Vande Mataram. Gehlot questioned Shah's silence on the ongoing investigation into the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur during his visits to the state.

During a press briefing at his residence, Gehlot pointed out that Shah has made several trips to the Mewar region, including Udaipur, yet has failed to address the Kanhaiya Lal case or the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) progress on the matter.

Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor, was reportedly killed in 2022 by two men wielding cleavers inside his shop, allegedly due to accusations of insulting Islam.

Gehlot emphasized that as the Union Home Minister, Shah should have discussed the case's developments, which fall under his jurisdiction.

His comments followed Shah's recent criticism of Sonia Gandhi during a visit to Chittorgarh, where he accused her of interrupting Vande Mataram at a Congress event on Independence Day.

Gehlot noted that Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had already addressed this issue, accusing the BJP of attempting to stir controversy to distract from pressing issues.

Additionally, Gehlot claimed that the BJP government in Rajasthan is feeling the heat ahead of local body and panchayat elections, exerting pressure on district officials and police to favor the BJP.

He also mentioned a recent protest led by Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma against district officials in Alwar, describing it as an unusual occurrence for a minister from the ruling party to stage a dharna against a district collector.