Gehlot emerges stronger as Congress wins big in Rajasthan

Acknowledged as the main architect of the Congress comeback in Rajasthan, Gehlot toured the state extensively and held hundreds of public meetings at various places. 

"He addressed over 130 meetings, touring the entire state during these Lok Sabha polls," said Congress spokesperson S. Raghav.

The Congress had wrested Rajasthan from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently held assembly elections, winning 96 seats in a house of 200.

It is a huge comeback for Gehlot, who was thought to be responsible for one of the worst electoral defeats of the Congress party in Rajasthan in the state assembly elections of 2003 when the party got a drubbing from the BJP.

Gehlot Saturday thanked voters and said that Manmohan Singh's government at the centre was responsible for the win.

"They (the voters) have voted for the policies of the Manmohan Singh government at the centre," the chief minister said. 

Gehlot, who was visibly happy with the party's performance in the state, said that it was a victory of the people. As the results came in favour of the congress, fireworks were heard at the state party office here.

Congress supporters shouted slogans hailing Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh and Gehlot.
The chief minister's official residence here also saw party supporters pouring in to greet Gehlot with flowers and garlands.

"He has proved that he is a leader of the masses," said Rahul Singh, a Congress supporter.