Amidst the hustle of election fervor in Rajasthan, fresh allegations of phone tapping have emerged against former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, brought forth by his former aide Lokesh Sharma. This isn’t the first time such accusations have surfaced; they date back to the tumultuous events of July 2020, when the state’s political landscape was marred by the rebellion led by Sachin Pilot and 19 MLAs against the Gehlot government.
In a recent statement, Lokesh Sharma claimed that Gehlot had handed him a pen drive containing audio clips purportedly intercepting phone conversations of certain individuals. These recordings, allegedly leaked to the media, added fuel to the already fiery political atmosphere, especially amidst the Sachin Pilot faction’s confrontation with the Gehlot camp.
The leaked conversations, including one allegedly between rebel MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, hinted at BJP’s involvement in destabilizing the Gehlot administration. This revelation led to a series of legal actions, including police cases and defamation suits.
The issue resurfaced just ahead of the second phase of elections in Rajasthan, further intensifying the political drama. Lokesh Sharma, who has been vocal against Gehlot on social media, chose this moment to openly accuse him of involvement in phone tapping and shielding close aides in the REET paper leak scandal of 2022.
Ashok Gehlot’s Silence Amid Accusations
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ashok Gehlot has chosen not to respond, maintaining a conspicuous silence. The timing of Sharma’s revelations, strategically placed right before the elections, has added weight to the already heated debate surrounding the former Chief Minister’s tenure.
Congress’ Response and Legal Proceedings
Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi dismissed Sharma’s accusations, labeling him as disconnected from the organization and possibly influenced by BJP affiliations. Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue, with the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police investigating the phone tapping allegations and the defamation cases filed against Gehlot.
Lokesh Sharma’s Claims and Motivations
Lokesh Sharma’s accusations, coupled with his personal experiences, shed light on the intricate web of politics and power struggles within the Rajasthan Congress. His allegations of being used for political gains by Gehlot and subsequent abandonment reflect a narrative of betrayal and disillusionment.
Accusations Beyond Phone Tapping
Beyond the phone tapping controversy, Sharma’s claims extend to allegations of corruption and malpractice during Gehlot’s tenure, ranging from the REET paper leak to financial irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These accusations not only tarnish Gehlot’s image but also raise questions about governance and accountability within the Congress-led administration.
As Rajasthan braces for elections and political tensions escalate, the resurgence of phone tapping allegations against Ashok Gehlot adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile scenario. The veracity of these claims and their potential impact on the electoral landscape remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: the echoes of these accusations will reverberate long after the ballots are cast.
