Summary
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently visited Bikaner to attend the funeral of the well-known businessman Shivratan Agarwal. During this visit, Gehlot spoke openly about the current political situation in the state. He expressed strong concerns regarding how the current government is running Rajasthan. Gehlot used a famous Hindi phrase, "Ulti Ganga," to describe what he sees as a backward move for democracy in the region. His comments have sparked a new wave of political discussion across the state.
Main Impact
The main impact of Gehlot’s statement is the heightening of political tension between the Congress party and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By choosing a public and emotional event like a funeral to voice his concerns, Gehlot has ensured that his message reaches a wide audience. His claim that democracy is being weakened suggests that the opposition plans to make "democratic values" a major issue in upcoming political debates. This move also shows that Gehlot remains a very active and vocal figure in Rajasthan’s politics, despite no longer being the Chief Minister.
Key Details
What Happened
Ashok Gehlot traveled to Bikaner specifically to pay his last respects to Shivratan Agarwal, the founder of the famous Bikaji Foods brand. After the funeral rites were completed, Gehlot met with members of the media. He did not hold back in his criticism of the current state government. He told reporters that the way the government is acting makes it feel like things are moving in the wrong direction. He specifically mentioned that the spirit of democracy is being ignored, which he believes is a dangerous sign for the people of Rajasthan.
Important Numbers and Facts
Shivratan Agarwal was a giant in the Indian food industry, helping Bikaner become a global name for snacks. His passing is seen as a major loss for the business world. Gehlot’s visit to Bikaner on April 24, 2026, highlights the deep connection between the state's political leaders and its industrial icons. While the event was meant to be a time of mourning, the political statements made by the former Chief Minister have now become the main talking point in local news cycles.
Background and Context
To understand why Gehlot used the phrase "Ulti Ganga," it is important to look at the recent history of Rajasthan. For years, the state has seen a back-and-forth struggle for power between the Congress and the BJP. When the BJP took over the government, they began changing many of the policies and programs that Gehlot had started. Gehlot and his supporters feel that these changes are not helping the public. They believe the new government is focusing more on political power than on the needs of the common man. In simple terms, "Ulti Ganga" means that the river is flowing backward, or that things are happening in a way that is opposite to what is right or natural.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction to Gehlot’s comments has been mixed. Many members of the business community in Bikaner preferred to focus on the legacy of Shivratan Agarwal. They praised Agarwal for his hard work and his role in providing jobs to thousands of people. On the political side, BJP leaders have dismissed Gehlot’s claims. They argue that the state is moving forward and that the former Chief Minister is simply unhappy about being out of power. However, many citizens who follow state politics are now discussing whether the current government is indeed changing the democratic traditions of Rajasthan.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, it is clear that the political battle in Rajasthan will only get more intense. Gehlot’s words serve as a signal to his party workers to stay active and keep questioning the government. We can expect to see more protests and public speeches where the opposition highlights the perceived failures of the BJP. For the people of Rajasthan, this means that every move the government makes will be under a microscope. The focus will likely be on whether the current administration can prove Gehlot wrong by showing positive results in governance and maintaining democratic standards.
Final Take
The death of a prominent figure like Shivratan Agarwal usually brings people together in grief, but in the world of politics, every moment is an opportunity to speak about the future. Ashok Gehlot has made it clear that he will not stay silent while he believes the state is moving in the wrong direction. Whether his "Ulti Ganga" remark will change public opinion remains to be seen, but it has certainly set the stage for a very loud and active political season in Rajasthan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Shivratan Agarwal?
Shivratan Agarwal was a very successful businessman from Bikaner. He was the founder of Bikaji Foods, a company that made Bikaner famous for its snacks all over the world.
What did Ashok Gehlot mean by "Ulti Ganga"?
He used this phrase to say that the current government is doing things the wrong way. He believes they are going against the normal rules of democracy and moving the state backward.
Why did Gehlot make these comments in Bikaner?
Gehlot was in Bikaner to attend a funeral. Since many people and reporters were present, he used the opportunity to share his views on the current political state of Rajasthan.
