Rebellion brews in Rajasthan Congress party; Gehlot faction won’t accept Sachin Pilot as CM, 80 MLAs ready to resign

JAIPUR: Rebellion woes are brewing up in the Rajasthan Congress party with the Gehlot faction taking a strong stand against the High Command’s decision to install Sachin Pilot to the Chief Minister’s seat. The rebel group has made it clear that they would not allow Sachin Pilot to become CM, with 80 MLAs ready to resign if he is appointed.

The party had called for a meeting of its Assembly members in the wake of Ashok Gehlot’s decision to contest the election for President of the Indian National Congress. However, the majority of the MLAs did not attend the meeting.

Those close to Ashok Gehlot said that a change of guard is not needed at the moment. Also, the discussions to appoint another CM can be done after the party president’s election. The Gehlot’s faction MLAs are clear in their decision to resign if Sachin Pilot is made CM.

They are trying to give their resignation to the Speaker, CP Joshi.

When the supporters of Sachin Pilot reached Ashok Gehlot’s residence for the meeting the Gehlot faction MLAs conveyed their meeting at the home of Shanti Dhariwal. A bus is parked outside his home and is believed to take the MLAs back after the meeting. At the meeting, the Gehlot supporters passed a resolution demanding that either Gehlot must continue as CM or someone close to him must be made the Chief Minister.

Sonia Gandhi had appointed Congress leaders Ajay Makkan and Rajya Sabha Opposition leader, Mallikarjun Kharge, as observers for today’s Assembly party meeting.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, said that he has no part in the MLAs move.