Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s body language after his meeting with Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi indicated that everything was positive during the discussion. The CM has become more trustworthy for the party leadership than before.
But Gehlot left the media in confusion as far as the much-awaited cabinet expansion is concerned. The media was expecting big news about the Rajasthan Cabinet expansion and political appointments. However, the expansion will take place soon. But Gehlot will take a call on the entire exercise of appointments and expansion. Sources say that the high command has given Gehlot a free hand to go ahead with the cabinet expansion. What the high command says is acceptable to Gehlot, is the message the CM has given. At the same time, those expecting cabinet berths during the expansion continue to be in uncertainty. Gehlot hinted that he does not like what his adversaries are doing with the help of the media. He said that misleading reports were carried last time after his meeting at 12 Tughlak Lane, while the reality was that Rahul Gandhi was not even present in the meeting.
Undoubtedly, the decisions on expansion and other appointments are being delayed due to misleading and wrong statements appearing in the media from time to time. Gehlot does not take any final decision without taking the high command into confidence. That is the reason why Gehlot continues to be the confidant of the Gandhis. He is the first leader to be seen leading from the front whenever any crisis happens in the party. Apart from his active involvement in preparing electoral strategy for five states, Gehlot is going to play a crucial role in the Jan Jagran campaign against the Modi government to be started from 14 November. An indication of this has been given by the sources after his meeting with Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders.
After meeting Sonia Gandhi, Gehlot lambasted the Modi government for price rise, indicating that the Congress is going to be quite aggressive during the “Jan Jagran Abhiyan” from 14 November. Gehlot targeted the government over the rise in prices of petroleum products and unemployment. He also warned the BJP against alleged communal politics. He alleged that the BJP came to power, lying to the people. He also pointed out that the situation is serious. Gehlot further said that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are cautioning the government on the alarming situation, but the government continues to be oblivious of what they are saying.