Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has once again stirred the political waters of the state by making a sensational claim regarding the political developments of September 25, 2022. Gehlot stated that the events of that day, which are often portrayed as a rebellion against the Congress High Command, have been misinterpreted. According to him, the reality was entirely different, and he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy designed to prevent him from ascending to the position of Congress National President.
The Reality of the September 25 Incident
Gehlot clarified that the gathering of MLAs on September 25, 2022, wasn't an act of defiance against the party leadership but was specifically directed against Sachin Pilot. At that time, Gehlot was a prominent candidate for the post of Congress National President, while he emphasized that this position held immense significance for him, and he dismissed the notion that he would jeopardize such a prestigious responsibility merely to retain the Chief Minister's post. He remarked that he isn't an uneducated leader who would fail to understand the weight of the national presidency.
A Glorious Legacy and a Hidden Conspiracy
Reflecting on the history of the Congress presidency, Gehlot noted that the office has been held by legendary figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Vallabhbhai Patel. He stated that he was fully aware of the dignity and prestige associated with the role. However, he believes that a conspiracy was orchestrated at that specific juncture to block his path to the national presidency. This conspiracy, he claims, altered the circumstances and gave a new direction to the entire political narrative in Rajasthan.
The MLA Sentiment and the Manesar Factor
During the period when the process for the Congress presidential election was underway, discussions regarding a change of leadership in Rajasthan had intensified, while gehlot explained that an atmosphere was created suggesting that Sachin Pilot might be appointed as the Chief Minister. This led to a large number of MLAs coming together to express their concerns. The sentiment among these legislators was clear: if a change in leadership was necessary, the responsibility should be given to someone from within the existing Congress Legislature Party. They were adamant that anyone involved in the Manesar episode wouldn't be acceptable to them.
Trust of the High Command
Gehlot argued that if the events had truly been a rebellion against the High Command, the leadership wouldn't have allowed him to continue as the Chief Minister afterward. He asserted that the Congress leadership had faith in him then and continues to trust him now. He recounted how he genuinely aspired to become the National President, but the sudden arrival of observers and the unfolding of a conspiracy created conditions that made it impossible for him to take up the role.
No Longer in the Race for Power
Addressing the allegations that he chose the CM post over the presidency, Gehlot stated that such claims are baseless. He clarified that he's no longer in the race for any specific position. Having served as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan three times, he maintains that he has no further desire for power. His primary objective now is to strengthen the Congress party and raise issues of national interest. He concluded by saying that the future leadership and the question of who becomes the next Chief Minister will be decided by time.