Rift between Pilot, Gehlot comes out in open

As power struggle in the Congress in Rajasthan is turning loud, AICC general secretary in-charge Avinash Pande has asked party men to be responsible and warned that those found giving irresponsible statements will be denied participation in the upcoming elections.

The warning has come in wake of a statement made former Union minister Lal Chand Kataria who demanded that AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot be declared the party’s chief ministerial candidate. Taking a cognizance of Kataria’s statement, Pande said such statements are a conspiracy to weaken the party. Pandey further said that disciplinary action would be taken against him for speaking against the party line.

With Assembly elections a few months away, Pande told party men that they should refrain from such statements which will provide an opportunity to the opposition that can damage the party. In Rajasthan Congress, there is a big tussle between Gehlot and state party chief Sachin Pilot, both eyeing the chief minister’s post.

Reacting to the statements, Gehlot told media on Saturday that he has been the party’s face in the state for 10 years. He told media in Udaipur, “People’s voice is God’s voice. I have been before the public for 10 years, so now in what sense, what way should a face be brought out". When asked about his role in Punjab, Gujarat and Karnataka, Gehlot replied, "Of course i was involved with campaigning process in these states. But it doesn't suggest that i am out of Rajasthan".

His statement went viral on social media and people started drawing meanings that Gehlot is keen to become CM candidate in Congress.