Old wounds have once again been reopened in Rajasthan politics. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has made a shocking statement regarding the political events of September 25, 2022. He stated that the events of that day are being portrayed as a rebellion against the Congress high command, which is completely false and the reality was something else.
He stated that the events of September 25, 2022, were not a rebellion against the high command, but against Sachin Pilot. He also stated that at that time, he himself was a candidate for the post of Congress National President, and the position was extremely important to him. He stated that he is not an illiterate leader who would leave such a huge responsibility only for the post of Chief Minister.
Gehlot further stated that the post of Congress President has a glorious history, with great leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Vallabhbhai Patel having held it. Therefore, he understands the dignity of the position. He also stated that he believed a conspiracy was hatched to prevent him from becoming the national president, which changed the circumstances and shifted the entire political landscape.
In his statement, Gehlot stated that the election process for the Congress president was underway at the time, and his name was also considered for the position. Meanwhile, political discussions regarding a change of chief minister intensified in Rajasthan. He stated that during this time, an atmosphere was created that Sachin Pilot could be appointed chief minister, leading to a large gathering of MLAs.
The former Chief Minister stated that the MLAs’ sentiment was that if the chief minister were to be changed, the responsibility should be given to someone from within the Congress Legislature Party, but that a person involved in the Manesar incident would not be accepted. Gehlot stated that this was the MLAs’ opinion, not a rebellion against the high command.
He further stated that the Rajasthan Congress has a history of always standing with the high command. Citing the example of Indira Gandhi’s time, he said that even when the Congress was reorganized, Rajasthan leaders showed complete confidence in the leadership. He stated that even under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Rajasthan Congress has always respected the decisions of the organization.
He questioned why he would have been retained as Chief Minister if this had truly been a rebellion against the high command. According to him, the Congress leadership had confidence in him before and continues to do so today. Ashok Gehlot stated that he wanted to become the Congress National President, but suddenly a conspiracy arose, observers arrived, and circumstances became such that he was unable to become the National President.
Gehlot further stated that it is wrong to say that he did not become President to become Chief Minister. He stated that he is not in the running for any position. Having served as Chief Minister three times, he has no desire for any position. His sole objective is to strengthen the Congress and raise issues of national interest. Only time will decide who will become Chief Minister.
In Rajasthan politics, September 25, 2022, is known for a major political drama within the Congress party. On this day, over 90 MLAs from the camp of then-Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot submitted their resignations en masse, protesting the party high command’s decision to contest the Congress Presidential election, which would have led to the selection of a new Chief Minister in Rajasthan. The Gehlot camp opposed the appointment of Sachin Pilot as Chief Minister.
Following this, instead of attending the party’s official Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, the MLAs submitted their resignations at the residence of then-Assembly Speaker Dr. CP Joshi. This incident was considered an act of indiscipline against the party high command, and notices were issued to several leaders.