Rajasthan CM Says 'Love Jihad' Ended, Stirs Political Debate
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma claims his government ended 'love jihad' in the state, citing a new conversion law and development work.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has triggered a political debate by claiming that his government has "ended the problem of love jihad" in Jaipur and across the state. The remark came during a roadshow in Jaipur on the last day of campaigning for the second phase of civic body elections.
Sharma said that such incidents were common under the previous Congress government led by Ashok Gehlot. He pointed to the state's new law against unlawful religious conversion and the Disturbed Areas Bill as measures that have addressed the issue. He assured the public that anyone harassing citizens would face jail.
The Chief Minister also criticised the previous government for creating multiple municipal corporations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota, which he said was done for "appeasement." His administration has merged them into single corporations for each city.
On development, Sharma listed achievements in water supply, power generation, employment, and metro connectivity. He said his government has issued 1.89 lakh appointment letters and is recruiting for more posts. He also claimed that over 600 people linked to paper leaks have been jailed and that no paper leak has occurred in 450 examinations held under his tenure.
The Congress has yet to respond formally to Sharma's remarks, which are likely to feature in the final phase of campaigning. Voting for the first phase of civic polls is underway, with Jaipur heading to the polls in the second phase.