After meeting with Sonia, Gehlot apologises, opts out of Congress present poll race

After meeting with Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot announced he will not contest party’s presidential poll – to be held on October 17 – apologized for crisis in his home state, taking moral responsibility for the “rebellion” by lawmakers, ostensibly close to him, over elevation of Sachin Pilot for the post CM. Sonia Gandhi is also likely to meet Sachin Pilot, whose wait for the Rajasthan top job has been prolonged further.

Context

The crisis began when Rajasthan CM decided to run for the race of Congress party’s presidential poll over a week ago, paving way for his bête noire Sachin Pilot’s elevation to the top state post. Gehlot wanted to keep his Rajasthan job even while running for party chief. But Rahul Gandhi, who is undertaking Bharat Jodo Yatra, dropped the ‘one party one post’ hint, leading to dissent in Rajasthan.

The process to pick the next CM started with central leadership. The crisis deepened further late on Sunday when 92 lawmakers loyal to Gehlot gathered at state minister Shanti Dhariwal’s residence instead of attending a Congress legislature party (CLP) meeting to virtually formalise the transfer of power from Gehlot to Pilot. They passed a resolution authorising Gandhi to pick the next chief minister. They either wanted Gehlot to continue or have the chance to pick his successor, scuttling the CLP meeting by handing over a joint resignation letter.

‘Manages to hold CM-ship’

Ashok Gehlot has managed to hold on to the post of Rajasthan Chief Minister. He has reportedly convinced the top leadership that he would manage the deepening dissent and revolt in the state unit. Gehlot said as the CLP leader, it was his responsibility to ensure that the one-line proposal, which is a tradition, was passed but could not. “I said I was sorry for the incident that happened on the day of the CLP meeting in Jaipur.” Gehlot said he had a detailed discussion with Gandhi.

“Over the last 50 years, from Indira Gandhi’s time, I have worked as a committed soldier. I was given responsibilities as Union minister, state party chief, Congress general secretary, and chief minister thrice.” Gehlot alleged a “motivated attempt to brand him a rebel” at the instance of the “BJP and some vested interests”.

Gehlot out, Digvijay in

Ashok Gehlot dropping out of the race means a third candidate for Congress president, who has the blessings of the Gandhis, could be named soon. Nominations close tomorrow for the first Congress election in over two decades with non-Gandhi candidates. Digvijaya Singh met with Shashi Tharoor after announcing his decision to contest. However, Singh has reportedly not discussed the move with the Gandhis, thus raising questions about the “official” candidate for the elections. Tharoor tweeted: “I welcome his candidacy for the Presidency of our Party. We both agreed that ours is not a battle between rivals but a friendly contest among colleagues. All we both want is that whoever prevails, Congress will win!” – INDIA NEWS STREAM