Raj CM Sharma attacks Gehlot for not pursuing Yamuna project despite promises
Jaipur, June 30 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma received a grand welcome from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, public representatives and members of the public after returning to Jaipur following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the Yamuna Water Project.
Large crowds gathered along the route from Jaipur Airport to the Chief Minister’s residence to greet him.
BJP workers, particularly those from the Shekhawati region, expressed gratitude for the project by showering flowers on Chief Minister Sharma and honouring him with garlands, traditional safas and a ceremonial kalash, comparing him to the legendary Bhagirath for bringing Yamuna waters to Rajasthan.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of Rajasthan’s 80 million people for the Yamuna water agreement.
He said the state government is working with a commitment to public welfare under the Prime Minister’s leadership and described June 29 as a “historic day” for Rajasthan.
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for their support in making the agreement possible.
He said the project would bring Yamuna water to the districts of Jhunjhunu, Churu and Sikar, transforming the Shekhawati region by strengthening agriculture, boosting tourism and industry, and creating new employment opportunities.
Criticising the Congress, Chief Minister Sharma alleged that the party had repeatedly promised Yamuna water to the people of Shekhawati without making sincere efforts to implement the project.
He said that despite Congress governments being in power in both Rajasthan and Haryana in the past, no meaningful coordination took place to advance the scheme.
Referring to the Haryana Congress’ manifesto, Chief Minister Sharma added that it had proposed scrapping the Yamuna water agreement and claimed that former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s presence on the same platform reflected a lack of commitment to the project.
He said that the promise he made in the Rajasthan Assembly to bring Yamuna water to Shekhawati is now being fulfilled.
The Chief Minister added that the Rajasthan government worked in close coordination with the Centre and the Haryana government to move the project forward.
Following the signing of the MoU on February 17, 2024, a task force was constituted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared.
He said the project, estimated to cost more than Rs 34,000 crore, is progressing rapidly and will include a 3.6-metre-diameter pipeline to transport Yamuna water to the Shekhawati region.
He added that the BJP government has prepared a clear roadmap for Rajasthan’s development and is accelerating several long-pending water projects, including the Ramjal Setu Link Project, the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP), the Gang Canal, and the Dewas and Mahi projects.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Chief Minister Sharma said, Rajasthan is moving steadily towards development while fulfilling every promise made to the people.
The Chief Minister also added that during the previous Congress government, Rajasthan frequently made headlines over paper leaks, corruption, gang activity and crimes against women.
He claimed the situation has changed under the present BJP government, which is focusing on employment generation, farmers’ welfare and industrial development.
He added that farmers in 26 districts are now receiving daytime electricity supply and that Rajasthan is also supplying power to other states.
Chief Minister Sharma announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Balotra on July 4 to inaugurate the Pachpadra Refinery, lay the foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase-2 and distribute appointment letters to thousands of young people.
He said the BJP government has maintained a clean recruitment process with no paper leaks during its tenure while providing employment to around 1.25 lakh youths.
Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore said that just as Bhagirath brought the Ganga to Earth, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is bringing the waters of the Yamuna to Rajasthan.
He added that the Chief Minister has worked continuously to improve water availability and has implemented several important development initiatives during his tenure.
Rathore noted that the Shekhawati region has been waiting for Yamuna water since 1994 and recalled that former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat had also made efforts in this direction.
He said the project has now become a reality through the combined efforts of the Centre and the BJP governments in Rajasthan and Haryana, describing it as the result of a “triple-engine government”.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was welcomed at Jaipur Airport, Kanodia College Circle, Rambagh Circle, the BJP state office and several other locations before reaching his official residence.
–IANS
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