Ashok Gehlot

During Sachin Pilot's 2020 rebellion, telephone recordings fuelled allegations of political spying. The government subsequently acknowledged that some interceptions had been legally authorised while maintaining that elected representatives had not been targeted. In 2024, former OSD Lokesh Sharma accused Gehlot of giving him the recordings and became an approver in the case.

State of the evidence

interceptions admitted by government; personal order by Gehlot merely alleged by his former OSD

Legal status — source text

investigation involving Lokesh Sharma, among others; no conviction of Ashok Gehlot established

Attribution

unadjudicated personal allegation; do not present Gehlot's alleged order as established fact

After his dismissal, former minister Rajendra Gudha claimed to have recovered a 'red diary' from an associate of Gehlot and said it contained entries revealing irregular financial transactions, particularly involving the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The affair dominated the government's final period in office.

State of the evidence

public allegations and pages presented by Rajendra Gudha; authenticity/scope not judicially established

Legal status — source text

no conviction of Gehlot based on this case

Attribution

direct but contested allegations; never present alleged contents as verified

Rajasthan's Right to Health Bill prompted weeks of strikes and protests by private doctors, who considered the scheme too burdensome and poorly funded. Doctors also accused police of brutality during demonstrations. A compromise ultimately substantially reduced the scope of private establishments covered.

State of the evidence

law, protests and settlement agreement documented

Legal status — source text

no personal criminal proceedings

Attribution

political responsibility for legislation and management of industrial dispute

The leak of the 2021 REET examination paper caused a major crisis over integrity of teacher recruitment. Following initial denials, investigators established that the paper had been stolen before the examination; the government dismissed the Board chairman, suspended officials and cancelled Level II before promising tougher legislation.

State of the evidence

leak and arrests documented; government measures documented

Legal status — source text

investigations and prosecutions against organisers/officials; no personal criminal accusation against Gehlot

Attribution

political responsibility as head of government, without attributing organisers' offences to him

While Gehlot was favourite to become Congress president, 82 MLAs from his camp boycotted an official meeting and submitted their resignations to block the prospect of Sachin Pilot succeeding him in Rajasthan. The crisis directly challenged the party high command.

State of the evidence

political events and Gehlot's statements documented

Legal status — source text

no judicial proceedings

Attribution

political responsibility accepted by Gehlot for a revolt by his loyalists, without proof that he personally organised it

A 2014 FIR named Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot and other officials over suspected irregularities surrounding operation of Rajasthan's 108 ambulance service. The CBI took over the case.

State of the evidence

FIR documented, followed by investigative outcome favourable regarding his personal involvement

Legal status — source text

2018 CBI charge sheet did not include Gehlot among those prosecuted

Attribution

initial personal allegation not substantiated by the final charge sheet retained

Media outlets and opposition figures claimed that companies employing or linked to Gehlot's son Vaibhav had obtained contracts or benefits from businesses themselves holding public contracts, prompting questions about nepotism and conflicts of interest.

State of the evidence

media allegations and public response documented

Legal status — source text

no personal conviction established

Attribution

suspected favouritism linked to his son; no judicial evidence retained