Congress MLAs, who are loyalists to Ashok Gehlot, are likely to submit their resignations opposing the appointment of the new Rajasthan chief minister from those who rebelled against the Gehlot government in July 2020, sources said. The MLAs are currently meeting at the residence of Congress MLA Shanti Kumar Dhariwal.
State food and civil supply minister Pratap Singh Khachariya, a loyalist to Gehlot, said, тАЬWhy cannot the Rajasthan chief minister be appointed from 102 MLAs? (who stood by during a political crisis).” Khachariya, who was entering Dhariwal’s residence, also alleged the BJP is conspiring to topple the government.
Gehlot, meanwhile, said a one-line resolution saying all Congress legislators have full faith in the party president’s decision is likely to be passed during the legislature party meeting scheduled to be held this evening.
He said all party leaders will hold a discussion to arrive at a consensus and this has been the Congress’s strength.
Gehlot said he has held constitutional posts for 40 years and the new generation should get a chance now, virtually admitting an imminent change of guard in the state. Gehlot, who has announced contesting for the post of Congress president, made the remarks during to a visit to Jaisalmer to offer prayer at the Tanot Mata Temple, in an indication that the Congress may choose Sachin Pilot as his successor in the state.
Rajasthan Congress in-charge Ajay Maken told reporters in Jaipur that the media will later be briefed about the decision taken during the meeting.
“(Mallikarjun) Kharge ji and I am here to attend the meeting. Whatever action will be taken, you will be informed (afterwards). I cannot tell more than this right now,” Maken said.
Senior leader Kharge said the high command has asked him to meet all the MLAs.
This is the second Congress Legislature Party meeting within a week. The last meeting was held on September 20.
Gehlot became the first person to announce his candidature for the AICC presidential poll on Friday and said former president Rahul Gandhi has told him that no one from the Gandhi family should become the next party chief.
The chief minister also said the call on his successor will be taken by Sonia Gandhi and Maken.
