Loosing elections doesn't mean Congress is doomed: Ashok Gehlot

Barmer: According to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, losing a poll will not spell the end for the Congress, as in the past.

Gehlot said that the opposition was becoming serious and Prime Minister Modi should act accordingly, citing Rahul Gandhi's warnings to the government.

During a press conference here, the chief minister spoke.

Indira Gandhi lost the 1977 elections, and the Congress suffered a massive defeat, Mr Gehlot said. However, Congress made a strong comeback and formed the government.

The party is "very strong" even today and has a presence across the country, he said. "Losing elections does not mean it is the end of the Congress," he said.

As he made these remarks, the Congress party had been badly beaten in the recent Assembly elections in five states. The party did not prevail in any states and was defeated in Punjab by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

According to the chief minister, Congress has been perceived as the enemy of the country.

Those who talk about making a Congress-free India are not on the right track. Even in 100 years it won't happen, so do not pursue that goal.

Gehlot further noted that the prime minister should listen to opposition leaders

"The Opposition can only give you a warning. Whatever Rahul Gandhi had warned the government about is turning out to be true. So Modi should understand that whatever an opposition leader says should be taken seriously," he added.

"I am the chief minister, if someone from the Opposition says something, then I see and read it. If it has some merit, then it is my moral responsibility to implement it in the larger public interest," he said.