On sidelines of battle for Rajasthan, hint of Ashok Gehlot-Sachin Pilot truce

JAIPUR: Amid the litany of allegations, legal battles and constitutional wrangling that has plunged Rajasthan politics into crisis, both CM Ashok Gehlot and his sacked deputy Sachin Pilot on Wednesday made overtures that appeared to leave a window open for a possible reconciliation.
In Jaipur, CM Gehlot while speaking at the small ceremony held at state PCC headquarters to mark the taking over of Govind Singh Dotasra as the new chief of state PCC.
Gehlot was unsparing in his criticism of BJP for allegedly orchestrating a plot to topple his government and governor Kalraj Mishra for not convening a special assembly session despite three formal requests from his cabinet.
But speaking at an event in Jaipur marking Dotasra's appointment as the new PCC chief, Gehlot said Congress hadn't slammed the door shut on the dissidents whose revolt triggered the crisis.
"All it takes is an unconditional apology to the high command. We will abide by whatever decision the high command takes,” he said, barely a week after a no-hold-barred attack in which he called Pilot "nikamma-nakara (worthless and idle)".
While Gehlot suggested all would be forgiven if Pilot and the other 18 dissident MLAs apologised to the Congress high command, the disgruntled former deputy CM took to Twitter to congratulate Govind Singh Dotasra on taking over as PCC chief. He also tweeted birthday greetings to Speaker CP Joshi, against whom he and his loyalists have moved court.


Addressing party workers, chief minister Ashok Gehlot targeted the BJP for attempting to undermine people’s mandate by horse trading and engaging in toppling game of opposition-ruled state governments.
Expressing concern over the state of affairs in the country, Gehlot said, “When Corona is at its peak, the central government in connivance with governors are attempting to destabilize state governments.”
But he assured the MLAs and Congress workers that they will not succeeded in their nefarious designs in Rajasthan. He asked the new president to hold a party convention and his government welcomes constructive criticism from the party which will help to improve the functioning of the government.
AICC general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pande said, “In the last 70 years, there is no precedent that a governor rejects the recommendation of a majority government for an assembly session.” But this is happening now in Rajasthan.
Dotasra, while thanking the party leadership for his appointment, said he would live up to the expectations of farmers, Dalits and youths, adding that he would work to bring the Congress to power again in 2023 state polls.