Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday slammed the state government over a controversial remark made by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator. The BJP MLA had stated that even animals would not eat the food served at anganwadi centers, sparking a political row.
Gehlot's Strong Reaction
Gehlot, a senior Congress leader, expressed outrage over the comment, accusing the ruling BJP of neglecting the nutritional needs of children and women in the state. He said the remark reflected the government's apathy towards the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
“The statement by the BJP MLA is shameful and shows their mindset. Anganwadi centers are meant to provide nutrition to children and pregnant women, and such comments undermine the importance of these programs,” Gehlot said in a press conference.
Context of the Controversy
The controversy erupted when a BJP MLA from Rajasthan reportedly claimed that the quality of food served at anganwadi centers was so poor that even animals refused to eat it. The remark quickly drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Gehlot demanded an apology from the BJP MLA and urged the state government to take immediate steps to improve the quality of food at anganwadi centers. He also questioned the government's commitment to combating malnutrition in Rajasthan, which has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in India.
Political Fallout
The Congress party has seized on the issue to attack the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to ensure basic nutrition for the poor. Gehlot highlighted that the previous Congress government had implemented several schemes to improve anganwadi services, but the current administration was neglecting them.
“The BJP government should focus on providing nutritious food rather than making insensitive remarks. This is a serious issue affecting the health of thousands of children and women,” Gehlot added.
Government's Response
The Rajasthan government has not yet officially responded to the controversy. However, some BJP leaders have distanced themselves from the MLA's comment, calling it a personal opinion. The opposition has demanded a formal apology and action against the legislator.
The incident has once again brought attention to the state of anganwadi centers in Rajasthan, which are crucial for addressing malnutrition and providing early childhood education. Activists have called for increased funding and better monitoring of these centers.
Gehlot concluded by saying that the people of Rajasthan would not forgive the BJP for such insensitivity, and the party would face consequences in future elections.
