Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot is geared as much as make another and probably a final try to persuade Rahul Gandhi to file his nomination papers for the publish of Congress president. And for this, he travelled all the way in which to Kochi from Jaipur to affix the Bharat Jodo yatra with the Wayanad MP whilst Gehlot’s bête noire Sachin Pilot was already there.
The get together can be pinning its hopes and mentioned that in case Rahul Gandhi modifications his thoughts, there shall be an association made for a postal poll and submitting of his nomination by means of the publish. However evidently Gehlot could have to finish up submitting his papers. Nevertheless, the large downside stays whether or not he has to resign as chief minister. Sachin Pilot’s supporters actually hope so and are already on alert.
The rule being utilized is that of “one man, one publish”. Prior to now, this rule was by no means utilized as Sachin Pilot was each deputy CM and state Congress president. The identical was the case with Kamal Nath. Not simply this, however when Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and PV Narasimha Rao had been prime ministers, they had been additionally get together presidents.
However all this modified with the Udaipur decision when it was determined that it needs to be solely “one man, one publish”. This rule, if utilized, provides to the woes of Ashok Gehlot.
Chief electoral officer Madhusudan Mistry although informed News18.com, “There is no such thing as a such rule for the president’s publish.” This has given hope to the Gehlot camp. However not for lengthy.
Sources say that Sonia Gandhi whereas wanting to stay impartial in all the ballot course of, additionally desires a choice to be taken lastly on the desert state, particularly because it’s poll-bound. Gehlot made it clear that he would file his nomination if the state of affairs calls for and that whereas he doesn’t assume he can’t proceed as CM, he gained’t insist on it. He conveyed to Sonia that, firstly, Rajasthan was in a vital state of affairs and any uncertainty now would assist the BJP. Secondly, he informed her that the MLAs should be requested earlier than any choice is taken on a brand new CM.
With out mentioning Sachin Pilot, what Gehlot is banking on is that almost all of MLAs are prone to assist the present chief minister. If Gehlot has to step down in case he turns into the president, then MLAs might push for somebody who is taken into account near the CM.
However the strain is clearly on the Gandhis as they know they can not postpone the choice for lengthy. Sources near Pilot say that he has been affected person as a result of he has been assured that he would get his probability. Gehlot’s shift to Delhi might simply be the chance he has been ready for. Whereas for Gehlot, a president’s designation simply provides to his stature, particularly in case Congress loses Rajasthan, he wouldn’t need to surrender his grip on a state he has been highly effective in. He additionally has to handle his son’s future.
However Sonia Gandhi can be eager {that a} center path is discovered the place, as the president, he may also take care of Rajasthan. Satirically, if no step is taken earlier than the polls, the Rajasthan uncertainty could also be one of many first selections Ashok Gehlot has to make in case he turns into president of the Congress.
With inputs from News18
