The political temperature in Rajasthan has shot up following a fiery exchange between Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and his predecessor, Ashok Gehlot. Addressing a "Rajasthan Yuva Shakti Diwas" event in Jaipur on March 17, 2026, CM Sharma launched a scathing, albeit indirect, attack on Gehlot, mocking the former CM’s past health issues and his frequent trips to Delhi.The taunt has triggered a massive row, with the opposition Congress accusing the Chief Minister of "losing his dignity" and lacking basic human empathy.What did the CM say?Responding to Gehlot’s constant questioning of his recent Delhi visits, Bhajanlal Sharma took a jab at the veteran leader's physical condition during the previous Congress tenure.The "Bandage" Jibe: Without naming Gehlot, Sharma remarked that when the former CM used to go to Delhi, he would "tie bandages on both feet," referring to Gehlot's high-profile foot injuries in 2023.The "Cold" Remark: Sharma added that unlike his predecessor, he doesn't suffer from "colds or weakness" and stays active 24/7 to serve the people.The "Hotel" Dig: He further alleged that while the previous government spent its time "resting in hotels" to save its chair (referring to the 2020 political crisis), his visits to Delhi are focused solely on bringing "concrete results" and development projects for Rajasthan.The Controversy Over "Delhi Visits"The feud started when Ashok Gehlot recently mocked Bhajanlal Sharma for frequently flying to the national capital. Gehlot had suggested that the new CM seemed "dependent on the high command" and lacked the independence to make local administrative decisions.Sharma hit back by stating, "Whenever I visit Delhi, I bring back tangible outcomes." He cited improvements in the state’s financial indicators, claiming that Rajasthan's per capita income has surged from ₹1.67 lakh to over ₹2 lakh under his two-year-old government.Congress Fights BackThe Congress party didn't take the personal remarks lightly. Tika Ram Jully, the Leader of the Opposition, slammed the CM’s comments as “insensitive and absurd.”"The Chief Minister has lost his balance within just two years of power. Mocking a senior leader's health is a new low for the dignity of the CM's office," Jully stated, demanding a public apology.This war of words comes at a time when the BJP is celebrating "Rajasthan Diwas" and highlighting its "Two Years vs. Five Years" report card, while the Congress remains focused on issues of bureaucracy and alleged stalled projects.
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