Jaipur, Nov. 8 -- Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday demanded a public apolofy from chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma over his remarks alleging that Gehlot used to be involved in the sale of fake fertilisers and seeds to farmers. Speaking to reporters in Jodhpur, Gehlot said Sharma's remarks had caused "permanent damage" to his image. "We have learned from our seniors that certain dignity and mutual respect must be maintained between a chief minister and a former chief minister," he said. He said he had maintained cordial relations with his predecessor despite political differences, and had conveyed this tradition to Sharma after he assumed office. "Criticism is part of politics. We are in the opposition, and if the opposition does not criticise the government, who will?" he said. The confrontation began earlier this week when Sharma, addressing a BJP rally in Jodhpur, accused Gehlot of exploiting farmers through his business before entering politics. "When I opened a fertiliser and seed shop, he was barely five years old. How could he possibly know whether the fertilisers and seeds were genuine or fake, or whether they were sold on the black market?" Gehlot asked. BJP's Laxmikant Bhardwaj countered Gehlot's allegations, saying the CM made it clear that action was taken against Gehlot's brother, who was associated with the fertiliser shop. "The chief minister did not raise just one issue. He also questioned Gehlot over the paper leak cases, including the arrest of his personal security officer (PSO), but Gehlot has remained silent... Why is he not responding to these allegations?" he said....