Jaipur, Sept. 8 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said Vasundhara Raje should have been the BJP's "natural choice" to lead Rajasthan, when responding to a question about the meeting of former CM Vasundhara Raje and CM Bhajanlal Sharma with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Jodhpur. He was addressing the media after visiting rain-affected areas of the state. "If Vasundhara Raje had returned as chief minister, it would have been enjoyable to see her in the role again. Unfortunately, her own party is not giving her this opportunity, which is disappointing," he said. Gehlot added that Raje was sidelined despite being an experienced leader. "Why is she not getting a chance? The BJP's natural choice should have been Vasundhara, but that has not happened. What can I do in such a situation?" he said. Gehlot also defended the state's (Chiranjeevi) health scheme, saying that unlike Ayushmana Bharat, which is meant only for beneficiaries identified through the socio-economic caste census during former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's tenure, Rajasthan's health scheme covers the entire population. He questioned the rationale behind weakening such a large programme. "He was given time, but two years have passed. We cannot remain silent; we will have to speak about his governance. I am not his personal opponent, but as opposition it is my duty to raise these issues," Gehlot said. On RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's visit to Jodhpur, Gehlot said it was a matter of grace that Bhagwat chose Jodhpur, and he hoped the message from the city would be one of love, harmony, and brotherhood. However, Gehlot criticised the ongoing talk around Kashi and Mathura, warning that such issues could incite communal tensions. He said while Bhagwat sometimes speaks positively, he often falters in between, pointing out the contradiction in saying the RSS won't participate but its volunteers are free to act. "If volunteers are allowed, then that is RSS itself. Why make such statements? The entire country is concerned, even if people are not speaking out yet. Where is this direction leading?" said Gehlot. Bhagwat on Thursday stated that the organisation will not participate in any reclamation campaign for Kashi or Mathura temples, even though its volunteers are free to do so. Reacting to the former CM, BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bharadwaj said: "Gehlot made such remarks only to divert attention from the problems within his party." He added that the former chief minister should "remember that the people of the state have rejected him."...