Jaipur, Feb. 21 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday accused the state government of ignoring Jodhpur and the entire Marwar region in the recent budget, calling it "deeply disappointing" and claiming that several public welfare projects have been neglected. Speaking to media at Jodhpur Airport, Gehlot said Jodhpur and the broader Marwar belt - including Jaisalmer, Barmer, Phalodi, Jalore, Sirohi and Pali - have historically faced drought and scarcity conditions and therefore require focused attention. "Several crucial schemes should have been prioritized, but they have been ignored," he said. He also said that panchayat and local body elections must be held on time, citing repeated observations by the Supreme Court and High Courts that timely elections are constitutionally mandatory after amendments. He alleged that the elections were being unnecessarily delayed but expressed hope that they would now be conducted following court directions. He referred to the third phase of the Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal scheme, claiming that around Rs.1,400 crore was spent from the state exchequer during his tenure to initiate the project. "Had we waited for central funding, the work would not have even begun. Now the pace has slowed down," he said. Gehlot also flagged several completed infrastructure projects that remain non-operational. He claimed a Rs.80 crore sports institute is lying closed. On the refinery project, he accused the government of repeatedly changing inauguration dates. Gehlot further alleged that payments across departments are pending. "Be it old-age pensions, scholarships for students or distribution of scooters, payments are stuck. Departments like PHED, Irrigation and PWD have halted works. Contractors have stopped work due to non-payment," he said, questioning claims that state revenue has increased. "Revenue increases every year, but where is it going if payments are not being made?" he asked. Commenting on the issue, BJP spokesperson Ram Lal Sharma said that Gehlot speaks of public welfare when he is out of power. He said the Bhajan Lal government's budget focuses on the development of villages, youth and foundational institutions....