‘Indications are that all leaders, including Sachin Pilot, will now work to strengthen Congress in Rajasthan’.
If senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot and his supporters obey high command’s instructions to remain united, then Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will succeed in breaking the tradition of alternate governments in Rajasthan. It means the Congress will then retain power in the state after year-end Assembly polls.
In fact, Congress’ internal fight was so far keeping the hopes of BJP alive. The campaign by Pilot and his supporters against own party government was suiting the saffron party which is facing more internal tussles than the Congress. In a significant development auguring well for Gehlot’s future plan, the high command in a meeting on Thursday asked leaders and workers to immediately reach out to people showcasing and highlighting the state government’s welfare schemes.
The politics in Rajasthan Congress saw Gehlot dealing with every single internal and external crisis on his own over the last three years. There were attempts from within to topple his government, followed by a massive campaign against him. Several of Gehlot’s own party leaders were seen playing the role of opposition.
However, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” gave Gehlot strength. Rahul Gandhi during the yatra lauded Gehlot’s schemes. Rahul Gandhi’s appreciation of Gehlot demoralised rebels’ group. AICC president Mallijkarjuna Kharge also admired Gehlot’s works. CM Gehlot also continued to strengthen his position, taking big decisions without caring about rivals. The schemes like OPS, free treatment, etc. created a massive buzz at the national level. Gehlot’s schemes gave Congress a much-needed booster. At the same time, Gehlot’s Bachat Rahat Camp in the sultry summer month of April-May created a record. Gehlot reached out to every household under the camp and apprised people of his schemes. BJP seems to be clueless in terms of an issue to corner Gehlot. So, the saffron party was banking on internal problems of the Congress. Meanwhile, “baseless” media reports about possible change of guard in Rajasthan Congress to some extent overshadowed the positive atmosphere that the camp had created. However, the Congress high command has made it clear during the 6 July meeting that the party will contest polls on Gehlot’s schemes. The leadership also said that strict action will be taken against those who try to destabilise the government. Pilot also assured of obeying the party’s directions. Indications are that all leaders, including Pilot, will now work to strengthen Congress in Rajasthan.
Undoubtedly, Gehlot is the only Congress leader who is giving a tough fight to BJP. The faction-ridden saffron outfit is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi only.
BJP is at the same time worried about what if the central leadership fails to make any impact in Rajasthan like Karnataka. Meanwhile, Gehlot is working hard. He travelled more than 10,000 km in two months as part of the “Bachat Rahat Camp” mission. He reached out to 1.80 crore families of the state. Gehlot has announced a new initiative, which is a contest, called “Jan Samman Video Contest”, through which participants will promote the schemes launched by the Rajasthan government. The first prize which has been offered is Rs 1 lakh, the second prize is Rs 50,000, and the third prize is Rs 25,000. Every day, 100 motivation awards worth Rs 1,000 will also be given.