Jaipur: In a sharp rebuke to the BJP-led Rajasthan govt, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra Friday highlighted a letter from the French Ambassador to India, addressing concerns over stalled investment projects in the state. Dotasra accused the administration of failing its flagship ‘Rising Rajasthan’ campaign, suggesting it had devolved into a “rising commission” scheme that undermines investor confidence.Dotasra’s criticism centers on the challenges faced by French company Soufflet Malt India, which seems to be struggling to secure land for a proposed project despite previous discussions with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The ambassador’s letter, as cited by Dotasra, notes that while positive exchanges had occurred, the company was still unable to finalise land acquisition, facing substantial obstacles. “Who is holding up the file, and why is the company running from pillar to post for land allocation?” Dotasra questioned, expressing skepticism about the govt’s intent. He alleged that investors might be forced to engage with “commission agents” as part of a convoluted process, indicating a lack of transparency and efficiency in the state’s investment dealings. Further emphasising the distressing situation, Dotasra stated that many entrepreneurs who had signed agreements during investment summits were still grappling with acquiring land and securing necessary approvals, ultimately hindering industrial development and job creation in Rajasthan. He criticised the govt for seeming more focused on revenue collection than fostering a conducive environment for investment and employment. The letter from the French Ambassador, as shared by Dotasra, detailed significant difficulties experienced by Soufflet Malt India concerning RIICO, citing higher-than-expected land prices and extended timelines for allotment, now pushed to Dec 2026. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully echoed Dotasra’s sentiments, asserting that the state govt’s commitment to investors is lacking, tarnishing Rajasthan’s image and rendering the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ campaign a façade rather than a genuine investment initiative.
