In yet another war of words with centre on X (formerly twitter), Gehlot said that the union home ministry is misleading public with wrong information regarding permission of his helicopter which resulted in cancellation of his Sikar visit.
Chief minister Ashok Gehlot, on Friday, has claimed on twitter that he had to cancel Sikar visit as he could not get permission from home ministry to fly his helicopter due to G20 protocol.
A spokesperson from home ministry refuted the claim of Gehlot and clarified on X, “In a news report, Rajasthan chief minister has claimed denial of approval for his helicopter flight by the MHA. Four requests were received from CM Rajasthan for flight permissions, including for Sikar, and all were approved by the MHA.” “No request from CM Rajasthan has been denied. While all scheduled flights of commercial aircraft and movement of governors and state chief ministers on their state aircraft are allowed, private chartered flights require specific MHA approval.”
The clarification didn't go well with Gehlot who claimed that home ministry is creating confusion among public by giving misleading information. He hit back on X, saying the permission to fly the helicopter was sought through an e-mail at 10.48am on Friday, but it was not received till 2.50 pm and in order to inform public waiting for him in Sikar, informed them on X at 2.52 pm about cancellation of his visit. Later, he also called up Om Das Maharaj of Sangalia peeth.
“After this, permission came at 3.58pm but by then I had left Udaipur for Jaipur by plane and after reaching Jaipur, I went to Niwai by road.I did not want to create any controversy in the name of G20, hence, did not condemn it and only informed the public about the facts. But now I am sad that the home ministry has made an unsuccessful attempt to spread confusion among the public by giving wrong information,”
Not the first time
This is not the first time Gehlot has engaged in war of words with union ministry on X. Few days back, Gehlot accused prime minister office of removing his three minutes speech at the last moment, when prime minister Narendra Modi had visited Sikar in the month of July for inauguration of several development works.
The PMO had then replied Gehlot on X, “In accordance with protocol, you have been duly invited and your speech was also slotted. But, your office said you will not be able to join. During PM @narendramodi's previous visits as well you have always been invited and you have also graced those programmes with your presence….”
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