PMO officially fact-checks CM Ashok Gehlot over Rajasthan programme invitation

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) firmly rejected Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's assertion that his pre-scheduled 3-minute address had been removed from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programs in the state. In response to Gehlot's claim made on Twitter, the PMO issued a statement on Thursday clarifying the situation and extending a warm invitation to the Rajasthan CM to join the program.

The PMO's statement emphasised that the protocol was diligently followed, and an invitation was extended to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. His speech was scheduled as a part of the program. "In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join," the PMO said in a statement.

The PMO's response emphasized that during previous visits of PM Narendra Modi to the state, Chief Minister Gehlot had always been invited and graciously attended those programs, leaving his mark on the plaque of development works. "During PM Narendra Modi’s previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence. You are most welcome to join today’s programme. Your name is very much there on the plaque of the development works as well," the statement said.

Shri @ashokgehlot51 Ji,

In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join.

During PM @narendramodi’s previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those… https://t.co/BHQkHCHJzQ

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 27, 2023

PMO rebuts Gehlot's claim

Quashing any doubts, the PMO warmly invited Ashok Gehlot to attend the day's programme. "Unless you have any physical discomfort owing to your recent injury, your presence will be deeply valued," the Prime Minister's Office said.

In a tweet earlier, CM Gehlot had expressed his heartfelt welcome to PM Modi on his visit to Rajasthan. However, he claimed that his pre-scheduled 3-minute address was allegedly removed from the program by the PMO. 

"Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today you are visiting Rajasthan. Your office PMO has removed my pre-scheduled 3-minute address from the program, so I will not be able to welcome you through speech, so I heartily welcome you to Rajasthan through this tweet," he tweeted.

In the same tweet, Gehlot put forward a list of demands that he had intended to present during his speech. These demands included a caste census, permanent recruitment in the army, withdrawal of the Agniveer scheme, and the declaration of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as a project of national importance.

According to government sources, there are two separate events being held in Sikar - one is a government event, and the other is a party event. The government event has been organised with the specific intention of accommodating Chief Minister Gehlot's participation. However, CM Gehlot expressed his desire to join the physical program in Sikar through video conferencing (VC), which deviates from the normal process and protocol, sources said.