Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Nov 14: Former Rajasthan chief minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Friday described the Bihar Assembly election results as “deeply disappointing” and levelled serious allegations of widespread money distribution that he claimed influenced the outcome.
Speaking at the Rajasthan Congress Headquarters, Gehlot alleged that Rs 10,000 per woman voter was distributed during the Bihar campaign, calling it an unprecedented misuse of financial power. According to him, money transfers reportedly continued even during the campaign period and, in some cases, a day before polling, which he said directly impacted the fairness of the electoral process.
Gehlot contrasted this with his own administration’s conduct during elections in Rajasthan, stating that once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect, the Congress government immediately halted welfare disbursements — including mobile phone distribution and pensions for the elderly, widows and disabled persons — to adhere strictly to election rules.
“In Bihar, however, pensions and direct financial transfers continued openly during the polls,” he alleged, calling it a key factor behind Congress’ poor performance.
He sharply criticised the Election Commission of India, questioning why strict enforcement was applied in Rajasthan while alleged violations in Bihar were ignored. “If the Commission remains silent when money is misused, then this is nothing but vote theft,” Gehlot said, adding that Congress and the RJD lack the massive financial resources that he claims were used by their political rivals.
Gehlot also referred to repeated warnings by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi about “vote chori”, asserting that the developments in Bihar validate these concerns. He said the influence of money power in elections has reached “unimaginable levels,” citing Maharashtra as another example where, according to him, enormous sums were distributed to candidates.
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi winning three consecutive terms, Gehlot concluded that India still needs the Congress ideology for its future. “It is in the nation’s interest. The country needs Congress,” he said.