Cautioned Sachin Pilot Against People Who Will Make Him CM-in-Waiting, Says Ashok Gehlot

New Delhi: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress General Secretary Ashok Gehlot had cautioned state party chief Sachin Pilot of “friends who make the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President chief minister in waiting.” He also told Pilot and anyone who falls for such talks is “unable to get the correct feedback” from the ground.

“Jab Sachinji PCC President bane wo mujhse milne aye. Unko maine ye baat kahi thi aap is bare mein dhyaan rakhna (When Sachin Pilot became the PCC President, he came to meet me. I asked him to take care of this things),” Gehlot told News18 in an interview.

“There are friends who create this illusion. One does not get the correct feedback if one starts to believe in it. We must beware of such situations,” the former CM added.

Gehlot, who played a crucial road in the Congress’ performance in Gujarat Assembly polls last year, however clarified that he has not sought position for himself ahead of the Rajasthan polls slated for later this year.

“I have had the fortune of being trusted by Congress leaders from Indiraji to Rajivji, Soniaji and now Rahul ji. I have never lobbied for anything. Whatever high command decides, I will do,” Gehlot said on being asked if Congress will declare a CM face.

The two-time CM of Rajasthan is believed to be a contender for the top job if Congress manages to reclaim the state.

The recent bypoll results have come as a shot in the arm for the party, especially for the state Congress President Sachin Pilot who is seen to be a challenger to Gehlot.

On being asked why Congress top leaders such as Sachin Pilot and Bhawar Jitendra Singh did not contest bypolls from their seats despite party candidates winning by a comfortable margin, Gehlot said is that there may “have been a thinking that it may help us perform better in upcoming polls”.

Gehlot sounded confident of Congress’ return to power in Rajasthan later this year. “Vasundhra ji should clear her misconception that Congress leaders are involved in inflighting," he said.