Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, campaigning in poll-bound Rajasthan on October 25, accused the rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of resorting to religious and caste-based politics to secure votes. Speaking at an election rally in Jhunjuna district alongside Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Gandhi emphasized the need for voters to hold leaders accountable and urged them to look beyond divisive issues and focus on substantive matters.
Gandhi asserted that the BJP was well aware that during elections, discussions about religion and caste could sway voters in their favor. She stated that this approach allows politicians to evade accountability for their actions and promises. Gandhi pointed out that while the commitments made by the Gehlot government were being implemented on the ground, the announcements made by the BJP-led Centre appeared to be “hollow.”
She said, “The truth is that there are people who indulge in the politics of religion, and that is where their accountability ends. They have understood that during elections, they should talk about religion, as everyone’s sentiments are connected to it… and that will get them votes.”
Gandhi further remarked, “They have understood that there is no need to work; just talking about religions and castes will get them votes.”
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, also addressing the rally, made two key promises to the voters. If the Congress is re-elected, the government will provide gas cylinders to 1.05 crore families in the state at a cost of ₹500 each. Additionally, an annual honorarium of ₹10,000 would be granted to the woman heading a family.
Rajasthan is set to witness a single-phase election across all 200 assembly segments on November 25, with results to be declared on December 3. The state has exhibited a trend of voting out the incumbent government every five years since 1993. The Congress, led by Ashok Gehlot, aims to break this pattern in the upcoming elections. In contrast, the BJP, led by former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, has refrained from announcing a specific chief ministerial candidate.
Priyanka Gandhi’s comments highlight the ongoing debate in Indian politics about the role of religion and caste in elections. While these factors can hold significant sway over voter sentiment, there is a growing call for politicians to address substantive issues, development, and governance rather than relying solely on identity politics. In the lead-up to the Rajasthan elections, the emphasis on accountability and the implementation of promises will likely play a central role in shaping voter choices.