Gehlot said the situation had become so concerning that there was a need to open 11 months of relief work even before the monsoon had ended. He demanded the immediate launch of relief operations in drought-affected areas, stressing that conditions in rural regions were alarming and that livestock was facing a growing threat due to shortages of fodder and water.
He called for the opening of fodder depots to protect livestock and said people were spending between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 on water tankers to meet their drinking water needs. Gehlot urged the government to make immediate arrangements to address the drinking water crisis and demanded that employment and wages be provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Gehlot has begun visiting drought-affected districts from Jaisalmer, highlighting the particular significance of drought conditions in the border district. He called on the government to establish effective relief arrangements in rural areas to address the mounting difficulties faced by residents and livestock.
The former chief minister also said the Congress was gearing up for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections and would raise public concerns during the electoral campaign. The party has appointed senior observers at the district and block levels as part of its preparations, while claiming to have accelerated its election-related activities.
Gehlot said the Congress would reach out to the public by strengthening its organisational structure. Party workers have stepped up their activities ahead of the panchayat elections, with an emphasis on strengthening the organisation at both district and block levels. The Congress is prepared to raise issues affecting ordinary people, particularly drought, drinking water shortages and the availability of fodder for livestock, to hold the government accountable. The party has also said it is ready for the upcoming local body and panchayat elections.
Separately, Gehlot addressed the importance of exercising caution when commenting on sensitive matters. Referring to the Pahalgam and Pulwama terror attacks, he advised political leaders to remain careful in their statements on terrorism.
He also called on Madan Rathore to clarify his statement, stressing the need to understand the context in which it was made. Gehlot demanded a clear response rather than leaving the matter surrounded by qualifications and ambiguity. He said Rathore should clarify his position to bring the controversy to an end, warning that without a proper explanation, the issue could remain in public discussion for a long time.
Gehlot's remarks placed the focus on two key political issues in Rajasthan: the demand for immediate relief in drought-affected rural areas and the Congress's preparations to raise public concerns ahead of the upcoming local body and Panchayati Raj elections, alongside calls for clarity on statements concerning terrorism.
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