New Delhi, May 2: The narrative of Rajasthan’s politics is incomplete without mentioning Ashok Gehlot. Born on May 3, 1951, in Jodhpur, Gehlot’s simplicity and grassroots connection were first recognized by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At just 31, on September 2, 1982, she appointed him as the Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation. By February 1984, he had taken on the role of Minister of State for Sports.
Following Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi also placed his trust in this young leader, appointing him as Minister of State for Tourism and Civil Aviation in December 1984. Gehlot’s efficiency led to him being entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as the Minister of Textiles (Independent Charge) in P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government in 1991.
Gehlot’s true political arena was the desert state of Rajasthan, where he served three terms as Chief Minister (1998-2003, 2008-2013, and 2018-2023), establishing himself as one of the state’s most prominent leaders. His third term is often remembered as a golden era of ‘welfare politics’ in Rajasthan. On May 1, 2021, Labor Day, he launched the ‘Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme,’ which transformed the economics of healthcare.
Initially, every family received a cashless insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh, later increased to ₹25 lakh, along with an additional ₹10 lakh accident insurance. This initiative was a lifeline for many. Gehlot did not stop there; on March 21, 2023, he introduced the ‘Rajasthan Health Rights Act,’ making Rajasthan the first state in India to recognize health as a legal right.
This law mandated that no hospital could deny treatment in emergencies or demand advance payments. However, it sparked significant controversy due to the lack of a clear definition of ’emergency,’ leading private hospitals and doctors to protest vehemently. Despite the backlash, Gehlot remained resolute in his intentions.
Ahead of the 2023 elections, he initiated a nationwide debate against inflation, setting up ‘Inflation Relief Camps’ across the state. Gas cylinders, which cost ₹1,150 in the market, were provided to the poor for ₹500. Each household received 100 units of free electricity, while farmers were granted 2,000 units. Additionally, the ‘Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme’ was launched for unemployed urban residents.
Pre-election surveys indicated soaring personal popularity for Gehlot, with no local BJP leader matching his stature. However, Rajasthan’s political sociology has historically favored power shifts every five years. Despite his commendable initiatives and the ‘Old Pension Scheme,’ Congress faced defeat in the December 2023 assembly elections.
Now, in 2026, the 75-year-old Gehlot is an active, aggressive, and strategic opposition leader. He plays a crucial role in the powerful ‘Core Group Committee’ of the AICC and remains a significant challenge to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s government in Rajasthan. His social media presence is sharp and impactful.
Whether in power or opposition, Ashok Gehlot has proven to be a politician whose relevance never fades. Currently, he serves as the MLA from Sardarapura.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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