CM calls Gehlot as mentally unstable, sparks political row

Jaipur: In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Monday sparked controversy by publicly questioning the mental stability of his predecessor, Ashok Gehlot, triggering a fierce war of words between the state's top political figures.
The confrontation erupted after Gehlot, 74, criticised the BJP-led govt's decision to conduct a training session in Gujarat's Kevadia amid severe water and power shortages plaguing Rajasthan. "What is so special about Gujarat that necessitates training there when our state successfully hosted G-20 meetings?" Gehlot said on social media platform X.
In a sharp retort that sent shockwaves through political circles, CM Sharma declared from Gujarat, "Aap apne maansik santulan ko kho baithe hain (you have lost your mental balance)." Referring to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the CM added, "A person who dedicated his entire life building a great India, turning the nights of Rajasthan into the nights of the nation and worked towards creating a superior India, we are going to his memorial (at Kevadia)."
Gehlot responded with characteristic defiance: "I assure CM Sharma and Prime Minister Modi that my mental state is perfectly sound. Like Mahatma Gandhi, who wished to live to 125, I intend to serve Rajasthan until I am 100."
CMO sources said CM Sharma described Gehlot as "mentally unstable" for equating the controversial hotel stay of Congress MLAs during the 2020 political crisis, when Sachin Pilot rebelled, with the current Gujarat tour of BJP MLAs for training.
Gehlot had posted on X: "When BJP conspired to topple our govt, we had to keep the legislators united by staying in a hotel for a few days so that no temptation from BJP would work. Ultimately, BJP's monetary power was defeated and truth prevailed, allowing our govt to continue. However, it is quite surprising that from today, for the next few days, the entire govt, including the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, along with BJP legislature party, is going to a luxurious tent-like resort in Gujarat for training." Gehlot added,
The controversy has overshadowed the BJP's mandatory training programme in Gujarat, attended by deputy chief ministers, ministers, MLAs and MPs, with BJP national president JP Nadda expected to participate. Critics view the timing as questionable, coming 18 months after the govt's formation and during a period of significant challenges in Rajasthan. The public spat has raised concerns about the deteriorating level of political discourse in the state, with observers noting that personal attacks have replaced substantive policy debates.