Jaipur, June 8: Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, stated on Sunday that Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership intended for him to become the party president. However, he claims a conspiracy prevented this from happening.
Speaking to reporters, Gehlot remarked, “I am not uneducated. I have a thorough understanding of the Congress presidency. Great leaders like Pandit Nehru, Motilal Nehru, and Sardar Patel have held this position. If Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party had entrusted me with this responsibility, would I have declined? Absolutely not. A significant conspiracy was orchestrated against me. Suddenly, observers arrived, drama unfolded, and my reputation was tarnished.”
Gehlot emphasized that people across the country believe the rebellion occurred because he wished to remain Chief Minister rather than become Congress president.
He added, “How can I explain the reality to them? I remained silent because I needed to convey to Sonia Gandhi that whether it was a rebellion against Sachin Pilot or something else, it did not affect me. I was the leader of the legislative party. Observers from the All India Congress Committee came, yet I could not get the proposal passed. Later, I approached Sonia Gandhi and expressed my regrets. I regret that such a situation arose.”
Gehlot also commented on the process of changing the Chief Minister. He noted, “Whenever the high command feels a change is necessary, the 91 MLAs standing with the current Chief Minister suddenly shift their allegiance to another person. This happened in 2022. Sachin Pilot should understand this; it has been a long time.”
He stated that he has received much from the party and has always remained loyal. Gehlot clarified that the lack of an offer for the presidency and the sudden turn of events have damaged his image. His recent comments on the ongoing crisis within Rajasthan Congress highlight the internal strife and lingering animosities still present in the party.
Leave a Comment