‘Fear does not run in my blood’: Shekhawat hits back at Gehlot

Jaipur: Hitting back at former chief minister Ashok Gehlot over his recent criticism, Union Culture and Tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Monday said the Congress veteran’s remarks stemmed from growing unease over changing political dynamics within the opposition party, including speculation about a larger role for ex-deputy CM Sachin Pilot.

Addressing reporters at the BJP state headquarters in Jaipur, Shekhawat responded to Gehlot’s remarks in which the former chief minister described him as “anxious” and claimed that he could be removed from office “at any moment”. Rejecting the charge, Shekhawat asserted that “fear does not run in my blood”.

Earlier, in a post on X directly tagging Gehlot, the Union minister wrote: “I am a devoted follower of the revered tradition of Veer Durgadas Rathore ji, Gehlot ji. Fear does not run in my blood.”

Shekhawat said Gehlot, who remained at the centre of Rajasthan Congress politics for nearly four decades, appeared uncomfortable with shifting equations within the party. “To remain politically relevant, Gehlot keeps making such statements from time to time,” he said, adding that while the former CM presents himself as a Gandhian, his political conduct is well known.

Responding to Gehlot’s advice that he should focus on “lengthening his own political line”, Shekhawat said Rajasthan’s political history showed that Congress seniors who attempted to build an independent political identity often found themselves sidelined.

Invoking the legacy of Veer Durgadas Rathore, a 17th century Rajput general from Marwar, Shekhawat said courage and commitment to ideals always guided his public life. He further alleged that Gehlot used political power, resources and media influence over the years to maintain his relevance.