As of now, there are no indications of any major changes in the Rajasthan Congress. According to party sources, Govind Singh Dotasra is likely to continue as the state president until the Lok Sabha elections. The position of the leader of the legislative party will be assigned to a non-Jat leader.
The party’s primary focus is currently on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and discussions have commenced regarding the selection of confirmed candidates. Party stalwarts are unlikely to contest elections, with attention turning towards defeated ministers and legislators who have the strength to compete. The Congress is gearing up to contest all 25 seats in the state.
The party has ruled out forming alliances in Rajasthan and is particularly cautious this time due to not securing a single seat in the last two Lok Sabha elections. There is optimism within the Congress that the party could benefit from emphasizing the schemes implemented by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has expressed the intent to continue these schemes, but there are acknowledged shortcomings. Issues such as the 450 gas cylinder scheme, the Chiranjivi scheme benefiting 25 lakh people, and the reinstatement of the old pension scheme by the BJP might emerge as significant topics.
The chances of the OPS returning before the Lok Sabha elections are high, but any decision by the central government is currently pending. Discussions on this matter have commenced and will be concluded in due course.
Despite the recent defeat, Congress continues to rally behind Alakaman, along with former Chief Minister Gehlot. The party attributes the setback to BJP’s polarization politics and Sachin Pilot’s factionalism against the government. Congress has also decided to abstain from campaigning in Gurjar-Bahul seats, distancing itself from state politics and assigning responsibilities in Chhattisgarh.
Former Chief Minister Gehlot, Pradesh in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and State President Dotasra will lead the party in the Lok Sabha elections. Gehlot is expected to be the face of Rajasthan for the Congress, with the party believing that his schemes and efforts towards caste reconciliation can contribute to a strong performance this time.
