The fresh crisis in the Rajasthan Congress has again raised questions on the high command, particularly Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. In fact, Priyanka’s involvement in any party matter has harmed the organisation rather than doing any good to it.
The party’s miserable condition in UP testifies to it. The Congress is already fighting for its existence in Punjab. And now comes the turn of Rajasthan.
Perhaps, Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi seems to be blindly following what her son and daughter are saying. Surprisingly, the Gandhi family is relying on those who spared no effort to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan two years ago, and betraying the trust of a leader like Ashok Gehlot who has so far been the most trustworthy for the Gandhis. Speculation is rife about “a deal” for Rajasthan like Punjab. Despite all resistance, Navjot Singh Sidhu had been made Congress president in Punjab. Then Charanjit Singh Channi was made CM, leading to marginalisation of the party in Punjab.
The obstinacy of Rahul and Priyanka compelled a stalwart, Amarinder Singh, to quit Congress. Despite losing most states, the high command is still not ready to learn its lessons. Rajasthan is the latest case. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot struggled a lot to save the government in Rajasthan in 2020 when led by Sachin Pilot rebels made efforts to topple the government.
Now, again Pilot camp is active, trying to foment troubles for Gehlot, who is already grappling with challenges resulting from the pandemic and internal fighting.
Former Congress leader Sunil Jakhar once said that Rajasthan is such a state under Congress rule where Ashok Gehlot has to keep reminding that he is the CM.
Gehlot is aware that the high command, particularly Priyanka, protected those who were behind the bid to topple the government. Unfortunately, the Gandhi family ignored the fact that it is Gehlot who stood by the party whenever there was a crisis during his 45 years association with the Congress. Gehlot has been one of the most trustworthy leaders for the Gandhi family ever since Sonia took over the party’s charge. Gehlot defended Gandhis when disgruntled leaders targeted them. The Udaipur brainstorming was organised on the suggestion of Gehlot when the Gandhis were questioned after five state defeats. It was Gehlot who had then given the message that there was no challenge to the Gandhi family. Everything has been calm since then.
But now suddenly, Gehlot’s name was proposed for Congress president post. Gehlot had accepted it in a meeting with Sonia in August. Sources say Gehlot was assured that the CM will be of his choice. Gehlot led from the front during all demonstrations and stirs against price rise. The anti-inflation rally was also made a grand success by him on 4 September at Ramlila Maidan.
In fact, the suspicion began when “Sachin Pilot as CM’’ campaign started gaining momentum soon after Sonia and Priyanka returned from abroad. Gehlot will be sidelined by being appointed party president was the message. Realising the politics, Gehlot said that he would continue as CM as well. He met Rahul and Sonia in this regard.
Meanwhile, Sachin started meeting with MLAs to woo support.
But Gehlot loyalists somehow realised that the high command is siding with those who sought to dislodge the government in 2020. State in charge Ajay Maken visited the state for the party’s formal practice of ‘one line resolution’ authorising the Gandhi family to appoint a new CM. After his return to Delhi with the resolution, Sachin would have been declared CM. Gehlot’s resignation before nomination for president post would have been taken.
So, the pro-Gehlot MLAs sent their resignations to the speaker, leading to a situation where the high command’s move for a smooth power transition in Rajasthan got stalled. This has been seen for the first time in the history of Indian politics that the high command had to face the displeasure of the majority of legislators like this. So, Rahul and Priyanka’s obstinacy has plunged the state into a big crisis. In fact, what the BJP wanted seems to have happened. A big section of the Congress is wondering how the high command committed the mistake of Punjab yet again. Congress’ condition will worsen if Rajasthan goes the Punjab way.
