‘Forgive, move on,’ Gehlot tells MLAs upset over rebels’ return

JAISALMER/JAIPUR: Facing resentment among his flock to the idea of taking back all 18 dissidents who had sided with Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday advised the legislators to “forgive, forget and move on”. Party sources said a CLP meeting scheduled for Thursday could see “all Congress MLAs” from either camp in attendance.
The Congress high command has deputed MP and AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal to be its representative at the CLP meeting. While a rapprochement with the Pilot faction has been initiated by the high command, the Gehlot camp isn’t lowering its guard. MLAs loyal to the CM returned to Jaipur from Jaisalmer by a charter flight on Wednesday and were immediately herded back to the city hotel where they had been staying till July 31. “We are going to Hotel Fairmont. The next part of our strategy will be decided by CM Gehlot,” transport minister Pratap Singh said.
The MLAs, including some from Congress’s allies, are likely to remain ensconced at the hotel till the assembly convenes for a special session on Friday.
Speaking to reporters before leaving Jaisalmer, Gehlot had said that it was “natural” for his MLAs to be upset over the prospect of those who had revolted against the party being taken back.