{
  "id": 1376913,
  "title": "Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal called him ‘Jaadugar’, Ashok Gehlot now offers him a magic show",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/rajasthan-cm-bhajan-lal-called-him-jaadugar-ashok-gehlot-now-offers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T23:50:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajasthan-cm-bhajan-lal-called-him-jaadugar-ashok-gehlot-now-offers-him-a-magic-show-10836298/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had previously called his predecessor, former Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, a magician. However, Gehlot, being the son of famed magician Laxman Singh Gehlot, responded to the remark by proposing a magic show at Sharma's residence to address the various challenges faced by magicians. Alongside other magicians, leaders of various organizations and committees, Ashok Gehlot addressed a press conference at his residence to announce a series of initiatives for the welfare of magicians. These include a magicians' convention in Chittorgarh, an academy in Jodhpur, and the formation of a new body – the Indian Magic Federation – to bring all magicians and their associations together. Ashok Gehlot urged the Chief Minister to make magic products tax-free and assured that he would raise the matter with the Central government. He also expressed his desire for the government to help magicians improve their skills at an international level. Magician Rajendra Ramawat accused Sharma of disdain towards magicians, while others, like magician Great Mayavi, emphasized the importance of not underestimating magicians' influence and strength. Great Mayavi mentioned that his father's birth anniversary will be celebrated in 2027, marking the 50th Golden Jubilee of the event. The magician's convention, named 'Mayalok', will be held in January between the 26th and 28th, with 2,000 magicians, including international attendees, invited to participate. An academy for magicians will be established in Jodhpur, and the Indian Magic Federation will be launched to unify all magician organizations, making it a unique initiative in India.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Former Congress leader Ashok Gehlot calls Bhajan Lal Sharma 'Jaadugar'",
    "Gehlot proposes magic show at Sharma's residence to address magicians' issues",
    "Initiatives announced: magicians' convention, academy, Indian Magic Federation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ashok Gehlot's proposal for a magic show and initiatives for magicians' welfare turns the tables on Bhajan Lal Sharma, implying that the former CM is now in a position to dictate terms.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express - India",
        "title": "Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal called him ‘Jaadugar’, Ashok Gehlot now offers him a magic show",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/rajasthan-cm-bhajan-lal-called-him-jaadugar-ashok-gehlot-now-offers-1378445",
        "published": "2026-08-16T23:50:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}