Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot is a busy man these days. It is not only the Lumpy Virus, which is ravaging the state, that is keeping him busy. Not only is the veteran politician engrossed in his possible coronation as the Congress president, but Gehlot is also busy trying to instil a successor of his choice as Rajasthan CM.
With the Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting today in Jaipur, there are chances that the party might decide on Gehlot’s successor on Sunday itself.
The Congress high command has made senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken observers for the legislature party meeting that is scheduled to be held at 7 pm on Sunday. The presence of two senior party leaders indicates that there might be some important decisions that can be taken in the meeting.
“The meeting will begin at 7 pm with all the senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Ajay Maken, Mallikarjun Kharge, cabinet ministers and other MLAs present. It is expected that CM Gehlot may resign to pave the way for the next leadership in the state,” a source in the government said.
At present, the names Sachin Pilot and assembly speaker CP Joshi are doing the rounds to succeed Gehlot. However, given the not-so-secret rivalry between Pilot and Gehlot, it is unlikely that the latter will agree to the candidature of his former deputy.
In 2020, Pilot led a revolt against his government. He was removed from the post of Deputy Chief Minister as well as the party state unit chief. However, as per party sources, Sonia Gandhi has clearly stated that she will be staying neutral for the elections for the party president’s post.
However, given the history of the party, one would not be surprised if the choice of the Gandhi family prevails over anyone else.