Making a reference to the controversial 'Red Diary', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 said it is the latest project of the Congress's "jhooth ki dukan".
“The Congress has only run a shop of thieves and market of lies in Rajasthan in the name of running government. The latest product of this is the '”red diary” of Rajasthan,” said the PM.
Recently ousted Rajasthan minister Rajinder Gudha claimed the diary held details of Ashok Gehlot government's corruption. He recently produced the "red diary" in the Rajasthan assembly, and claimed it contained the details of alleged irregular financial transactions of Chief Minister Gehlot.
Referring to Gudha's claims, Modi said that the "dark deeds" of the Congress are recorded in the diary, which will defeat the party in elections in the state.
He also targeted the Congress government in the state over recruitment paper leaks, saying Gehlot's government should be removed to fulfill the dreams of youths. “Today in Rajasthan, there is only one voice, one slogan—lotus will win, lotus will bloom,” he added.
Gehlot claps back at Modi
Responding to Modi's remarks, CM Gehlot said, "I heard that PM gave a speech in Sikar on 'red diary'. The position of PM holds dignity. IT, ED and CBI are being misused across the country. Can't they gather information from the diary from them? Are they so perturbed? Rajasthan has seen the most number of raids. Elections are due in three months. They are perturbed as they can see people's mood. So, they are levelling baseless allegations. 'Red diary' is one of them.”
Earlier in the day, Gehlot alleged that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had cancelled his speech at the Sikar event. The PMO, however, said it was informed by Gehlot's office that he will not be able to attend the programme. The PM's office said Gehlot was "most welcome" to join the programme.
PM Modi, while speaking in Sikar, said Gehlot could not attend the event due to problems in his feet. "He has been ill for a few days. I pray for his good health," Modi said about the chief minister.
Modi is on a two-day visit to Rajasthan, following which he will travel to Rajkot, Gujarat.