Congress workers, family celebrate after Ashok Gehlot’s name announced

JAIPUR: It was like a second Diwali in a year at the residence of chief minister-designate Ashok Gehlot.

The Congress workers waiting anxiously for the announcement of the new chief minister for two days celebrated in style by bursting fire crackers and dancing to the drum beats after Gehlot’s name was announced.

Ashok Gehlot's jubilant family in the city.

They hang around till late at night for Gehlot to reach his residence after the legilsature party meeting and the meeting with the Govenor. Gehlot acknowledged greetings from the waiting party workers individually at his residence.

Earlier in the day tea, samosas and ladoos were served to the hundreds who thronged to his 49-Civil Lines bungalow . The Civil Lines road was choc-o-bloc with cars as leaders rushed to the former chief minister’s residence to congratulate him.

Ladoos being distributed among workers.

Congress Gumang Jati Pradesh president Rattanlal Kalbelia who came with a few Kalbelia dancers and puppeteers to meet the Congress leader attracted a lot of eyeballs. The artists danced, much to the delight of TV camera crew.

The workers seemed to be happy with the arrangement of ‘Gehlot for CM and Sachin deputy CM’ that was worked out by the party high command. “Rahulji did a good job. After wide range of consultations, he came out with an amicable solution,” said Congress leader Gurvinder Kaur who came from Jodhpur.

Ashok Gehlot’s sister and her family in Jodhpur.

“This is the best formula, as like the party campaign, the government is also a blend of experience and youth,” said a leader. “You cannot choose either of them as both worked hard for the victory of Congress,” he added. Many could be seen capturing the moments of celebration on their mobile phones while leaders were busy hogging the limelight by giving sound bites to the TV news channels.

Many Congress workers had started arriving at the residence of the former chief minister since Friday morning and by evening the compound was over flowing with party workers which included a good number of women. While some were glued to TV at a room at his residence, others were getting updates on their mobiles.

Fire crackers being burst.

“I was quite certain that Gehlot will be the CM. But what will be for Sachin was the big question,” said a party worker. Once it was clear that the game for the throne has resolved amicably everyone was relieved.