Ashok Gehlot Claims Conspiracy Prevented His Rise as Congress President

New Delhi, June 7: Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has sparked discussions with his recent statements regarding his near ascension to the role of Congress President. Gehlot claims that a conspiracy thwarted his expected election to the party’s top position.

He asserts that a decision had been made to elect him as the Congress President, but circumstances changed due to a plotted scheme, leaving him without the title. Gehlot believes that many are still unaware of this truth.

A few years ago, there was to be an election for the Congress presidency. At that time, the party leadership expressed intentions to appoint Gehlot as president. He insists he was fully prepared for the role. However, the situation shifted dramatically when observers were dispatched to Rajasthan by the party. Gehlot alleges that a conspiracy was orchestrated against him, resulting in his failure to secure the presidency.

Despite public perception suggesting that Gehlot declined the role to remain Chief Minister, he argues that this narrative is misleading. “I was on the verge of becoming Congress President. I am not uneducated; I am well-informed. I understand the significance of the presidency, a position once held by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Why would I refuse such honor?” he stated.

Gehlot expressed that the circumstances were manipulated, leading to a sudden influx of observers and a chaotic situation that tarnished his reputation. He noted, “People believe I wanted to remain Chief Minister, which is why a revolt occurred. How do I explain this to them? The entire nation knows I was meant to be Chief Minister, and I instigated a revolt.”

He also addressed the media’s role in spreading misinformation, stating he remained silent to inform Sonia Gandhi about the situation, regardless of whether it was a rebellion against Sachin Pilot or not. “I was the leader of the legislative party, and the presence of observers from AICC carries weight. Whether it was Kharge or Ajay Maken, I couldn’t get the proposal passed. I felt sorry in front of Madam because the party has given me everything, and yet this situation arose,” he concluded.