In a much-anticipated four-hour meeting between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his political rival Sachin Pilot, along with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party’s attempts to showcase unity fell short of resolving their internal feud. Sources indicate that no agreement on a power-sharing formula was reached during the meeting, leaving several crucial questions unanswered and raising concerns about the party’s prospects in the upcoming state election.
Ashok Gehlot’s parting statement after the meeting only reinforced speculations about the persistent animosity between him and Pilot. Gehlot told reporters that he would work with Pilot to win the election, but his choice of words suggested an underlying tension. He urged Congress workers and leaders to remain patient and wait for their opportunity to serve the party, citing Sonia Gandhi’s earlier advice to party workers. However, his remarks left lingering doubts about the true state of their alliance.
Regarding Pilot’s involvement in the party, Gehlot stated that if Pilot remained in the party, he would be willing to work with him. However, he emphasized that the decision on the roles and positions would rest with the high command, reiterating his commitment to follow their instructions and secure an electoral victory. This ambiguity about Pilot’s role further fueled speculations about the power dynamics within the Congress in Rajasthan.
After the meeting held at Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, the Congress announced that both Gehlot and Pilot had agreed to the party’s “proposal” and would contest the election unitedly. However, the party leaders did not divulge any specific details about the supposed “peace pact” or the division of responsibilities for the upcoming polls. The lack of transparency in this regard only added to the uncertainty surrounding the Congress’s internal dynamics in Rajasthan.
Sachin Pilot has been making a series of demands within the party, including action against corruption allegations targeting former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of the BJP. Pilot’s ultimatum to the Congress, threatening state-wide protests if his demands were not met by the end of the month, has put the party in an embarrassing position. Reports suggest that Pilot remained firm on his demands during the meeting and did not back down.
Ashok Gehlot’s recent comment about the strength of the Congress high command, asserting that they would not appease any leader by offering positions, further complicated the situation. This statement did little to ease tensions within the party and instead highlighted the underlying power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot.
The power tussle between Gehlot and Pilot has been ongoing since the Congress came to power in Rajasthan in 2018. Although Pilot initially agreed to a subordinate role, he staged a rebellion in 2020 and camped near Delhi until the Gandhis assured him a resolution. However, the revolt ultimately fizzled out as Gehlot managed to retain the support of over 80 MLAs, while Pilot failed to garner more than 20 in his favor. This has made it challenging for the party to definitively side with either leader.
Last year, 72 MLAs resigned in protest against the Congress’s move to make Gehlot party president, a step that could have potentially replaced him as Chief Minister with Pilot. Earlier this year, Pilot embarked on a solo campaign for the Rajasthan polls, shortly after Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in the state.
Gehlot’s frequent verbal attacks on his former deputy, labeling him a “traitor,” “worthless,” and even comparing him to the coronavirus, have made it abundantly clear that he does not intend to back down. The bitter rivalry between the two leaders continues to cast a shadow over the Congress’s unity in
