Rajasthan: Gehlot and Gudha Meet, Red Diary Mentioned at Social Event

The infamous 'Red Diary' controversy, which once shook the foundations of Rajasthan politics, has returned to the spotlight following a recent encounter between former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former cabinet colleague Rajendra Gudha. The two leaders met at a private engagement ceremony of the son of Dharmendra Rathore, a close aide of Gehlot and former chairman of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). According to attendees, the meeting was marked by an unexpected cordiality, contrasting sharply with the bitter political rivalry that defined their relationship during the final months of the previous Congress administration. Gehlot was seen holding Gudha's hand and smiling while making a light-hearted reference to the 'Red Diary,' a gesture that has sparked intense speculation in political circles.

Interaction at the Engagement Ceremony

The social gathering at Dharmendra Rathore's residence saw a convergence of several high-profile political figures from across the state. When Ashok Gehlot arrived at the venue, he came face-to-face with Rajendra Gudha. Instead of avoiding each other, the two leaders engaged in a conversation that lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Gehlot introduced Gudha to Mukul Wasnik, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, who was also present at the event. The host, Dharmendra Rathore, reportedly reminded those present of Gudha's crucial role in stabilizing the government during past crises. Later, Gehlot and Gudha were observed sharing a meal at the same table, where Gudha inquired about the former Chief Minister's health and well-being.

Historical Context of the Red Diary Controversy

The 'Red Diary' saga began in July 2023 when Rajendra Gudha produced a red-colored diary in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. Gudha claimed that he had retrieved the diary from Dharmendra Rathore's residence during a raid by the Income Tax Department, allegedly saving it from being burnt. He asserted that the diary contained detailed records of financial transactions and election management strategies linked to the Gehlot government. Following this dramatic display, Gudha was summarily dismissed from the state cabinet. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) utilized the allegations as a central theme in their 2023 assembly election campaign, portraying it as evidence of systemic corruption within the then-ruling party.

Gudha's Role During the 2020 Political Crisis

The relationship between Gehlot and Gudha has been complex and multifaceted. In 2020, when the Congress government faced a major threat due to a rebellion led by Sachin Pilot, Rajendra Gudha was one of the six MLAs who had defected from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to join the Congress. This group of MLAs provided the necessary numbers for Gehlot to maintain his majority in the house. In recognition of his support, Gudha was appointed as a Minister of State. However, friction began to develop as Gudha started criticizing his own government's performance on issues such as law and order and women's safety, eventually leading to the public fallout over the Red Diary.

The 2023 Assembly Incident and Cabinet Dismissal

The climax of the controversy occurred on July 24, 2023, during a session of the Rajasthan Assembly. Gudha attempted to table the diary, leading to physical altercations between him and other Congress members. He was subsequently suspended from the house and forcibly removed by marshals. Gudha later claimed to the media that the diary contained entries in Dharmendra Rathore's handwriting regarding expenses related to the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) elections and Rajya Sabha polls. Ashok Gehlot consistently denied the existence of any such diary, dismissing the claims as a political conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his image before the elections.

Current Political Implications of the Meeting

Following the 2023 assembly elections, which saw the BJP return to power in Rajasthan, both Gehlot and Gudha find themselves in the opposition space, albeit in different capacities. Gudha, who contested the elections on a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) ticket, failed to secure his seat. The recent cordial interaction at a social event is being analyzed by political observers as a potential sign of thawing relations. While both leaders have maintained that the meeting was purely formal and personal, Gehlot's own mention of the 'Red Diary' suggests a move towards closing a contentious chapter. Whether this leads to a realignment of political forces in the state remains a subject of ongoing discussion.