Jaipur, Oct. 16 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched a sharp attack on the Centre and the state BJP government on Friday, accusing them of rolling back welfare schemes and allowing law and order to deteriorate, as Congress candidate Pramod Jain Bhaya filed his nomination for the Anta assembly bypoll. Addressing a gathering of party workers and supporters in Baran, Gehlot said, "When Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Chittorgarh that the schemes started by me would not be stopped, we believed him. But the government began shutting schemes the moment it came to power." He expressed concern over uncertainty in pension disbursements and alleged that criminal elements, including land mafias, extortionists, and mining gangs, have become emboldened across Rajasthan. "Small children are being harmed, traders are being blackmailed for extortion - the state has turned into a lawless place," Gehlot said, urging voters to support Pramod Bhaya, whom he described as a young leader committed to public welfare. Gehlot criticized the BJP for halting development over the past two years and reminded the electorate of the work carried out during Bhaya's previous tenure. "The enthusiasm here shows Congress's win is certain," he added. Several leaders on stage echoed Gehlot's criticism, highlighting alleged corruption and governance failures by the state administration. State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra condemned the Bhajanlal Sharma government, claiming major decisions were being taken from the Centre and pointing to gaps in disaster relief and welfare. "Despite heavy rains causing 200 deaths, victims have not received compensation. Cuts in old-age pensions are depriving the poor of their rights," he said. Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa addressed the gathering, urging party workers to unite against the BJP. "I want a promise from all of you - work together to ensure that the BJP never returns to power. I can proudly say that if Congress is strong anywhere in the country today, it is in Rajasthan. We will remember this until our last breath," he said. Randhawa also led a slogan, shouting, "You all fight, Pramod Jain Bhaya is with you." He further commented on national security concerns, criticizing the Prime Minister for not taking a tougher stance against Pakistan, and remarked, "If Indira Gandhi were in power today, Pakistan would have been split into four parts." Pramod Jain Bhaya formally submitted his nomination papers and addressed party workers, thanking them for their support. With the BJP yet to announce its candidate, the Anta-Baran bypoll is expected to be closely watched as a key test of public sentiment and a precursor to broader state-level political battles. BJP leader Pankaj Mehta reacted to the Congress allegations regarding the public meeting held for the Anta assembly bypoll. He said, "Before pointing fingers at others, Congress should introspect and consider the state of the province when their government was in power. Making accusations is easy, but they must first look within themselves. The people of Anta have made wise decisions in the past, and even today, BJP's victory in the assembly bypoll is certain."...