Ashok Gehlot says kept out of Modi's event, PMO claims CM declined invite

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had a minor tiff with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday when he alleged that he was kept out of an event on farmers' welfare in Sikar, which the latter countered saying an invite was sent to his office but the response received was that he will not be able to attend due to ill-health. With around four months to go for Assembly elections, BJP and Rajasthan unit of the Congress have been engaging in constant attacks and counter-attacks. BJP has charged the Gehlot government with failing to maintain law and order which has resulted in an increase in the number of rapes in the state.

The saffron party has also sought a discussion on the situation in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh as a counter to the Opposition demand for a debate on the Manipur situation. «Dear Prime Minister Narendra Modi, you are coming to Rajasthan today. Your Prime Minister's Office has removed a pre-decided three minute speech slot.

Hence I will not be able to welcome you through a speech. So I am welcoming you to Rajasthan from the bottom of my heart through this tweet,» Gehlot said on Twitter on Thursday morning. This was countered by the Prime Minister's Office on Twitter through a message which said, «You were invited as per protocol and your speech was also scheduled.

But your office informed (us) that you will not be able to participate. During the previous visits of the PM, you have always been invited and your dignified presence has also been there. You are most welcome in today's programmes as well.