Raje govt responsible for Gujjar imbroglio: Shekhawat

Sriganganagar, Jan 17: Breaking his silence over the current political affairs in Rajasthan, Former Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today said the Vasundhara Raje Government was responsible to some extent for the prevailing imbroglio over the demand by Gujjars for ST status.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Shekhawat held Ms Raje responsible for the situation, but without mentioning her name. ''Once a political party or government makes a commitment or assurance for considering such demands, it becomes difficult for it to retreat,'' Mr Shekhawat said. He said making such assurances to the Gujjars over their demand was a mistake on the part of the present government. Vote-bank oriented politics at times did create such difficult situations, he added.

Ms Raje had during her election campaign in the last assembly elections, sought votes assuring Gujjars that their demand for ST status would be considered.

The former Vice President said the solution to the reservation imbroglio was not simple, as only poverty alleviation could satisfy the people.

On the inter-state river water dispute with Punjab, Mr Shekahwat said the present situation was created due to the promulgation of the Punjab Termination of River Water Inter-state Agreements Bill in Punjab during the previous Amarinder Singh Government's regime.

Since the issue was subjudice, there was no scope for him to undertake a political intiative, Mr Shekhawat added.

UNI