Rajasthan Chief Minister Unveils Phule Legacy Projects, Criticizes Congress Government
In a significant announcement during the state-level program commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule in Bandikui, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma declared several initiatives to honor the social reformer and his wife Savitri Bai Phule. The Chief Minister revealed that Bandikui Polytechnic College in Dausa will be renamed after Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, marking a tribute to his contributions to education and social justice.
Educational and Infrastructure Developments Announced
Sharma outlined a comprehensive plan for educational enhancement across the state. He announced that Savitri Bai Phule e-libraries will be established in one higher secondary school within every block, aiming to digitalize access to knowledge and resources. Furthermore, each district will see the establishment of a Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Adarsh School, designed to provide quality education in line with the Phules' vision of empowerment through learning.
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 213 development projects with a total cost of Rs 607.6 crore in Bandikui. Key infrastructure announcements included the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at the Bandikui-Dausa railway crossing, along with sewerage and drainage gap works in Bandikui and Baswa Nagar Palika to improve urban amenities.
Metro Expansion and Refinery Projects Secured
Highlighting his administration's achievements, Sharma stated that the state government has secured Union Cabinet approval for two major projects: a 41-kilometer-long Phase 2 expansion of the Jaipur Metro and the Pachpadra refinery. These approvals are expected to boost urban mobility and industrial growth in Rajasthan, addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.
Sharp Criticism of Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot
In a pointed attack on the previous Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot, Sharma labeled the former Chief Minister a "Twitter Master" and accused him of poor planning in the Jaipur Metro project. Sharma alleged that the metro, spanning only 7 to 10 kilometers, was implemented without proper foresight and is currently incurring a daily loss of Rs 10 lakh. He criticized the Congress for failing to advance the metro project effectively, stating, "Congress did nothing to advance the Metro project in Jaipur. Gehlot brought only a metro project of just 7 to 10 km, and even that is incurring a loss of Rs 10 lakh per day. He only completed formality. Now, he is becoming a Twitter Master. He should leave this mastery."
Allegations of Paper Leaks and Scams Under Congress Rule
Extending his criticism, Sharma targeted the Congress over issues of paper leaks in examinations, claiming, "There wasn't a single exam under Congress rule that didn't have a paper leak." He further accused the previous government of a significant scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), alleging the installation of fake pipes, unnecessary uprooting of roads, and creation of tanks without a reliable water source. Sharma vowed, "We will not let them go at any cost," indicating a commitment to accountability and rectification.
Additional Announcements in Bundi
Later in Bundi, the Chief Minister announced Phase 2 tourism and development work for Ramsagar Lake, aimed at enhancing local tourism infrastructure. He also revealed plans for the construction of a panorama and library based on the biographies of Jyotiba Phule and Savitri Bai Phule, further cementing their legacy in the state's cultural and educational landscape.
These announcements underscore the current government's focus on honoring historical figures while addressing contemporary governance challenges and infrastructure development across Rajasthan.
