Demolishing Sabarmati Ashram is shocking, PM must intervene: Ashok Gehlot

He said the decision was uncalled for.

Gehlot said people visit the "holy site to see how Mahatma Gandhi lived a simple life and yet orchestrated an enormous freedom movement by taking along every section of society."

Mahatma Gandhi had spent 13 years of his life at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad from 1917 to 1930.

"The decision of the Gujarat government to make a museum by demolishing Sabarmati Ashram is shocking and uncalled for," Gehlot said in a statement shared on Twitter in which he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the project.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi must intervene and reconsider the decision and protect the historical ashram," the Rajasthan CM said.

Gehlot said the ashram is known for its harmony and ideas of fraternity and people from within the country and abroad don't wish to see any world class buildings over there.

"Visitors admire the simplicity and the ideals of the place - that''s why it is called an ashram - not a place to be called a museum," he said.

The chief minister further said, "Destroying the sanity and dignity of the ashram is a disrespect to the father of the nation. It seems that the decision is driven by a political motive to change everything that is related to Gandhi ji."