My resignation letter is permanently with Sonia Gandhi, says Ashok Gehlot

Two days after Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot met interim party president Sonia Gandhi, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday that his resignation letter is permanently with Sonia Gandhi.

He said, “My resignation letter is permanently with Sonia Gandhi. When Congress decides to change the chief minister, it will be done overnight. No deliberation will be done on it [changing CM]. Congress high command is independent to take decisions and I would appeal to everyone to not pay heed to rumours as it affects governance.”

Gehlot’s statement has come at the time when speculation is rife that there could be a possible rejig in Rajasthan Congress ahead of next year’s assembly polls. “For the last 2-3 days, there was talk about changing the chief minister of Rajasthan. This is not right,” he added.

Sonia-Pilot meet spark rumours

Pilot’s meeting with Sonia Gandhi on Thursday had sparked talk about a change of guard in Rajasthan Congress leadership. This was Pilot’s second meeting with the party leadership in a fortnight. Gehlot had also met Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday.

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Speaking about a possible change in CM candidate, Pilot had said, “That is exactly what we are discussing. Everything is included. The final decision will be taken by the party president. And those who are working on the ground, it is our responsibility to give proper feedback. The grassroots feedback about what the party can do in the next few weeks and months.”

“Whatever responsibility the party high command gives me, I will work on that,” Pilot had added.

Pilot had revolted against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his government in July 2020, bringing the government to the brink of collapse. After the party leadership assured that the grievances of the ‘rebel leaders’ would be heard by a three-member committee headed by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Pilot had dropped his rebellion.

(With Agency inputs)

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