Jaipur: The ongoing political tug-of-war in Rajasthan has taken a dramatic turn, as Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully publicly accepted Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s challenge for a debate on the comparative performance of Congress and BJP governments. Jully, in a strong yet respectful response, urged the CM to declare the time and venue for the debate, stating that the Congress is fully prepared for an open discussion in front of the people.
Jully remarked, “I respect the Chief Minister. If he wants
to compare the works done under the Congress and BJP regimes through an open
debate, we accept the challenge. It’s encouraging that the CM wishes to engage
directly with the people.”
He further added that the best platform for political debate
is the state Assembly, where questions are routinely asked and rarely answered
by the BJP ministers. “Still, if the Chief Minister wants to debate in public,
we are more than willing. Just name the time and place,” Jully stated
confidently.
Backdrop: CM’s Challenge During BJP Event
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma had issued the challenge during a tribute event
held on June 22 at the BJP’s state office in memory of Dr. Shyama Prasad
Mukherjee. In his address, the CM claimed that the BJP’s 1.5 years in power
could outshine the Congress’s entire five-year term. “If you think our 1.5
years of work doesn't surpass your five, come to an open platform,” he said.
Taking a dig at the Congress, Sharma added, “Congress
leaders always complain that the CM doesn’t stay in one place. But when it came
to staying in hotels or resting, you all were ahead. Today’s youth, farmers,
and laborers need work — not leaders who sit at home.”
Now, All Eyes on CM’s Response
With Jully accepting the debate proposal and urging the CM to finalize the
details, the ball is now in the Chief Minister’s court. Political observers
await Bhajanlal Sharma’s next move — will he respond with a date and location,
or let the challenge pass?
The prospect of a live, public debate between the two
political heavyweights has stirred considerable interest among voters,
especially with the state heading into critical developmental discussions.