Conflict of Rajasthan CM: Pilot, Gehlot supporters engage in sloganeering outside Congress office in Jaipur

The Congress is yet to decide on its chief ministerial candidate in Rajasthan. Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot are two potential candidates for the position of Rajasthan Chief Minister. The party workers of Congress were seen in a split on Wednesday, cheering out their preference.

The Congress headquarters in Jaipur witnessed high drama as supporters of both the leaders were seen competing with each other in sloganeering to the extent that on more than a couple of occasions police had to intervene to prevent scuffles.

“Public has given us the mandate. But party failed to elect its captain. It’s giving a wrong precedence where power tussle has reached such a level that it is delaying the process of selecting Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader,” said a two-time MLA, who didn’t want to be named.

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“After the elected representatives will express their views, the high command will take a decision (on leadership) and this has been a tradition of the Congress. The decision will be taken after considering all political situations because we also have to go in the parliamentary elections,” senior Congress leader CP Joshi said on his way to the CLP meeting.

However, Mahesh Joshi, former parliamentarian and newly elected MLA said that “all is well” in the party. The party had witnessed similar clashes during distribution of tickets which had led to the delay in announcement of the list of candidates.

“This cost the party dearly. Due to differences in the party, tickets were given to wrong candidates resulting in lower-than expected seats,” said a senior Congress leader.

While supporters of Sachin Pilot, who won from Tonk his maiden assembly election, swear by his efforts to lead the Congress to victory, those rooting for Ashok Gehlot vouch for his decades of experience and connect to the grassroots.