Barmer/Jaisalmer/Phalodi, Oct. 20 -- Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government of failing to address the severe drought in western Rajasthan, saying it was necessary to put pressure on the government to ensure immediate relief for farmers and livestock owners. Addressing a workers' and farmers' conference in Phalodi, he also alleged irregularities in the delimitation of Panchayati Raj constituencies ahead of rural elections. Demanding an early declaration of drought after crop-loss assessments, Gehlot said, "This time, the drought is severe. I felt it was necessary to put pressure on the government." Expressing confidence about the elections, he added, "We will win the elections, that is certain, provided you stand with us." Referring to the worsening situation in western Rajasthan, Gehlot said livestock were dying, fodder prices had reached Rs.20 per kg in Jaisalmer, and farmers and cattle owners were struggling to sustain their livelihoods. He said the government must complete girdawari, or crop-loss assessment, and declare drought so that affected people could receive relief. "There is a saying that even if God turns away, the government should not. But now people are saying that both God and the government have turned away," he said, urging the state government to act before the situation deteriorated further. Referring to Sharma's visit to Barmer, he questioned that there CM had announced merely Rs.1 crore as assistance, alleging announced amount had yet to be released. Turning to the rural electoral process, Gehlot alleged that the delimitation of Panchayati Raj constituencies had been carried out arbitrarily, similar to what he described as irregularities during urban local body elections. "Just as dishonesty was committed during urban local body elections, arbitrary decisions have also been taken in the delimitation of Panchayati Raj constituencies," he alleged. BJP leader Ashraf Ali Khiliji hit back at Gehlot and Congress leaders, accusing them of making baseless allegations. He said Congress leaders had claimed before local body elections that they would win, but voters had rejected them again. "They are frustrated and do not know what to do, so they are making baseless allegations," he said. Khiliji also said the state had instructed the district collector to ensure there were no hurdles in providing drought relief....