Rajasthan Crisis Live: Gehlot to Be Out of Prez Race, Sonia Seeks Written Report
The one-person one-position rule might push CM Ashok Gehlot to step down from his position.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
(Photo: Facebook/ Ashok Gehlot)
Rajasthan Congress Meeting LIVE Updates, Sachin Pilot Vs Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan Political Crisis Latest News Today: As the political crisis in Rajasthan unfolds, source say that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot can be out of Congress president's race.
The news comes as AICC observers Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken met party chief Sonia Gandhi at her residence in Delhi. They went their to brief her on the Rajasthan crisis.
On Sunday, over 90 Congress MLAs had submitted their resignation to Speaker CP Joshi to protest against the likely decision to make Sachin Pilot the state's chief minister if Ashok Gehlot were to resign from the post to fight the Congress presidential election.
Pilot also met CM Gehlot at the latter's residence amid the turmoil.
The resignation of the MLAs came ahead of the Congress Legislative Party meet which was to be held to indicate potential change in leadership. However the meeting was postponed to Monday. It was expected that in the meeting, CM Gehlot would likely resign, making way for Pilot to take up the CM's post.
The resignation by the MLAs brings down the strength of the Rajasthan Assembly to 108 where the halfway mark will be at 55. The BJP has 70 MLAs in the house.
Video Producer/Editor: Shohini Bose
Congress MLA Krishna Poonia with others aboard a bus, leave to meet Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, in Jaipur on Sunday, 25 September 2022.
Congress leader BD Kalla with other party MLAs board a bus to meet Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, in Jaipur on Sunday, 25 September 2022.
Congress MLAs aboard a bus leave to meet Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, in Jaipur on Sunday, 25 September 2022.
Rebel MLAs outside fellow legislator Shanti Dhariwal's residence.
MLAs at the Congress Legislative Party meet at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Congress MLAs submit their resignation to State Assembly Speaker CP Joshi.
Ahead of the meeting, Gehlot said "What more can a person expect, now the new generation should get a chance so that we together can provide leadership in the country."
MLAs Shanti Dhariwal and Pratap Khachariyawas met AICC Observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence.
Several ministers, including Rural Development Minister Rajendra Singh Gudha and MLA Wajib Ali, have backed Sachin Pilot as the next CM if Gehlot steps down.
While the Congress Legislative Party meeting was scheduled for 7 pm and then postponed 8 pm, it has been further delayed to Monday at the earliest.
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Candidates in the Fray for Top Party Post
The election of a new party president has stirred up much interest in the country, where people are now trying to predict the results. Several members of the party have also requested Rahul Gandhi to stand up for the post, but he has not given any positive response to the same.
The current elections appear to have three candidates:
Shashi Tharoor, Trivandrum MP, who said he had received Sonia Gandhi's approval to contest for the post of president
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot
Former President Rahul Gandhi, who hasn't indicated that he will be running for the post, but has received vociferous support from at least 11 state units for the post
Hesitation to Accept Pilot as CM?
The Rajasthan CLP is likely to authorise party president Sonia Gandhi to decide on the new CLP leader.
According to media reports, Gehlot remains opposed to Sachin Pilot taking over as the CM and wants MLAs to have their say.
Mallikarjun Kharge Reaches Jaipur Ahead of Meeting
Meanwhile, Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge has reached Jaipur for the meeting of the Rajasthan CLP, news agency ANI reported.
"I am here to meet the MLAs, and I can tell their opinion only after meeting them," Kharge said.
‘Everyone Will Accept High-Command Decision’: Rajasthan Congress’ Subhash Garg
Rajasthan Minister Subhash Garg told ANI on Sunday, "Everyone will accept whatever Congress high-command decides, but they should remember how two years ago, there was a conspiracy in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, to topple the state government."
"They should keep in mind people who think along the lines of party ideology and can ensure unity," Garg added.
Garg said that Gehlot must be taken in the loop while deciding the next Rajasthan CM so that they can definitely form the government in 2023.
"It's regrettable how some people (referring to Sachin Pilot), who broke discipline are being considered for the post (of CM)," he added.
‘New Generation Should Get a Chance’: CM Gehlot
A few hours before the meeting, Gehlot commented on being the party president and the CM simultaneously, and said "As far as post of Congress president is concerned, I've been in politics for 50 years and held various posts for 40 years."
"What more can a person expect, now the new generation should get a chance so that we together can provide leadership in the country," the Rajasthan CM said.
MLAs Arrive at State Minister Dhariwal's Residence
Ahead of the meeting, many party MLAs and leaders, allegedly part of the Gehlot camp arrived at the residence of State Minister Shanti Kumar Dhariwal's residence.
‘Gehlot Should Continue As CM’: State Min GR Meghwal
State Minister GR Meghwal said, "Our opinion is that Ashok Gehlot should continue as Chief Minister. He can handle both responsibilities."
‘Resolution Stating Faith in the Party Prez To Be Passed’: CM Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that a one-line resolution, stating that all Congress legislators have full faith in the party president's decision, is likely to be passed during the Legislature Party meeting.
He said all party leaders will hold a discussion to arrive at a consensus and that this has been the Congress' strength.
"All Congressmen unanimously keep faith on the Congress president, and today also, you will get a glimpse of it. You need not have to think much about ifs and buts," he said.
‘Pro-Gehlot MLAs in Mood To Adopt a Rebellious Attitude’: MLA Sanyam Lodha
Independent MLA Sanyam Lodha said, "MLAs in support of Gehlot have started gathering at Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal's house."
Lodha also claimed, "A luxury bus has also been called to his residence. It is believed that the pro-Gehlot MLAs are in the mood to adopt a rebellious attitude."
He added, "Gehlot MLAs can resign collectively. Consent for Pilot is not being formed."
Lodha also claimed that the "rebellious Gehlot camp MLAs" have prepared a one line resignation, which will be sent to the Speaker.
"After this, these MLAs can go towards unknown locations," Lodha alleged.
‘Gehlot To File Nomination on 28 September’: Cong MLA Ameen Khan
Rajasthan Congress MLA Ameen Khan said, "Ashok Gehlot Ji has asked us to come for the nomination."
"He will file nomination papers (for Congress President) on 28 September and we will go for that," Khan said
The Rajasthan CLP is likely to authorise party president Sonia Gandhi to decide on the new CLP leader.
'CM Should be MLAs who Supported Govt During Pilot's Rebellion: Team Gehlot
NDTV, quoting sources, reported that 56 MLAs of Team Gehlot unanimously decided that the CM should be one of the 102 MLAs who supported the government during Sachin Pilot's rebellion, along with his 18 loyalists in 2020.
'I Have MLAs at My Home': MLA Rajendra Singh Gudha
"Won't the Government lose majority if all 101 MLAs did not attend the Congress Legislative Party meeting?" asked Congress MLA Rajendra Singh Gudha
"I'm not attending this meeting (at State Minister Dhariwal's residence) . I have MLAs at my home," Gudha claimed.
‘Talks of Changing CM After Gehlot Becomes Party Prez’: Minister Pratap Khachariyawas
Rajasthan Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas claimed that teh conversation around changing the state's Chief Minister "will happen after CM Ashok Gehlot becomes party president."
"Out of 102 MLAs, anybody can become the CM. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot will decide it," he calimed.
Meeting Postponed to 8 PM After 75 Percent MLAs Did Not Arrive
While the Congress Legislative Party meeting was scheduled for 7 pm at the Chief Minister’s residence, 75 per cent of the MLAs did not reach the residence, leading to the meeting being postponed to 8 pm.
Central Observer Mallikarjun Kharge and State in-charge General Secretary Ajay Maken remain at the hotel and CM Gehlot himself has now gone to pick up the MLAs or to meet them.
Minister From Gehlot Camp Leave Pilot Residence
State Minister GR Meghwal, who had reached Sachin Pilot's residence ahead of the meeting, alongside several other MLAs from the Gehlot camp, left Pilot's residence.
Meanwhile, News 18 Rajasthan reported that MLAs have begun arriving at State Minister Dhariwal's residence in large numbers.
Sachin Pilot Leaves for CLP Meet
Congress leader and former Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot left for CM Ashok Gehlot's residence for Congress Legislative Party meeting
Congress MLAs Begin Arriving at CM's Residence
Congress MLAs begun arriving at the residence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for the Congress Legislative Party meeting.
'MLAs are Angry and Are Resigning': Pratap Singh Khachariyawas
"All the MLAs are angry & are resigning. We are going to the party president for that. MLAs are upset that how can CM Ashok Gehlot take a decision without consulting them," Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said.
"Gehlot should pay heed to the suggestions of MLAs. We have 92 MLAs with us: Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas
MLAs Arrive at Speaker CP Joshi's Residence
The MLAs, who left Shanti Dhariwal's residence in a bus, reached the Speaker CP Joshi's house amid tight security.
‘10 MLAs Being Heard, 102 MLAs Being Neglected’
"10-15 MLAs are being heard while over 102 MLAs are being neglected, Congress MLA Pratap Singh Khachariyawas told reporters outside Speaker CP Joshi's office.
"Party doesn't listen to us, decisions are being taken without it," Khachariyawas said.
‘I Have Nothing in My Hands’: Gehlot Tells KC Venugopal
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal had a phone conversation on the latest political situation in Rajasthan, where Gehlot said, "I have nothing in my hands, MLAs are angry."
MLAs Visit Kharge, Maken
Aaj Tak reported that a few MLAs have gone to visit Central Ovserver Mallikarjun Kharge and state AICC General Secretary Ajay Maken
MLAs Remain Inside Speaker's Residence
Over 80 MLAs from the Gehlot camp, who arrived at Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi's residence, amid speculation of resignations, remain inside the speaker's residence.
Central Observer Mallikarjun Kharge and state AICC General Secretary Ajay Maken
Khachariyawas Leaves for CM's Residence
Aaj Tak reported that Congress MLA Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, who claimed that over 102 Rajasthan MLAs are being neglected, left Assembly Speaker CP Joshi's residence for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence.
Central Observer Mallikarjun Kharge and state AICC General Secretary Ajay Maken are present at CM Gehlot's residence. Sachin Pilot, who was expected to take over the CM's post, is also present.
‘Will Meet MLAs Tonight, Conduct One-to-One Talks’: Ajay Maken
Congress leader Ajay Maken, who is present at CM Ashok Gehlot's residece, told ANI, "We aren't going to Delhi at the moment, we have been instructed by Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi to conduct one-to-one talks with Rajasthan Congress MLAs."
"We'll meet them tonight," Maken added.
Sachin Pilot Leaves CM's Residence
After the Congress Legislative Party meeting, which was scheduled to be held on Sunday evening, was postponed, Sachin Pilot left CM Ashok Gehlot's residence.
Dhariwal, Khachariyawas Meet AICC Observers Kharge, Maken
Shanti Dhariwal and Pratap Khachariyawas are meeting AICC Observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence.
Previously, Dhariwal and Khachariyawas were present with over 90 MLAs at Assembly Speaker CP Joshi's residence.
‘Neither Did I Talk, nor Did He Call’: KC Venugopal
Congress leader KC Venugopal, who had reportedly spoken to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on the phone regarding the turmoil in Rajasthan said "Neither did I talk to CM Ashok Gehlot today, nor did he call me, things will be sorted out soon," ANI reported.
MLAs Submit Resignation to Speaker
Sources say that 92 Rajasthan Congress MLAs, including Independents, submitted their resignation to Speaker CP Joshi at the latter's residence.
MLA Representatives’ Meeting With AICC Observers Ends
The meeting between MLAs' representatives Shanti Dhariwal and Pratap Singh Khachariyawas with Central Observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge, at the CM's residence has ended.
MLAs Leave Speaker’s Residence, To Meet AICC Observers on Monday
NDTV, quoting sources, reported that the MLAs have left Assembly Speaker CP Joshi's residence.
Aaj Tak reported that the MLAs will meet AICC Observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday.
'Have Faith That Sonia Gandhi Will Take Right Decision'
Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi said that he had faith in the Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi and that he expected that the high command will take the right decision to end the political crisis in the state.
"We have kept our point (across) and expect that our demands will be considered when the final decision is taken by the high command. We want the party to take care of people who have been loyal to Congress," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' Resumes Amid Turmoil
Despite the political turmoil in Rajasthan, the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' resumed from Kerala's Shoranur on Monday, 26 September.
Kharge, Maken To Submit Report to Top Leadership in Delhi
AICC observers Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken are scheduled to go to Delhi on Monday, 26 September, to submit a report on the unfolding crisis to the Congress' top leadership, ANI reported, quoting sources.
Further, MLAs are reportedly not willing to hold discussions with the observers.
'Enough With This Drama': Rajasthan Deputy LoP
BJP leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Rajendra Rathore slammed the situation in the state as "naatak" or drama, saying that nothing could be more unfortunate.
"This naatak shouldn't happen, enough with this drama. Sometimes they stay in hotels for days, the other times the leaders who run the govt go into another party, nothing can be more unfortunate," he said, as per ANI.
'Congress Just Wants to Enjoy Power': Anurag Thakur
Union Minister Anurag Thakur said that the Congress just wants to "enjoy" power and not serve the public.
"I think less entertainment happened in 'Bharat Jodo Yatra'; now it has started in Rajasthan. Congress neither has direction nor a leader," he said, as per ANI.
3 Demands of Gehlot Loyalists
AICC observer Ajay Maken said that Rajasthan Congress MLAs Pratap Khachariyawas, S Dhariwal and Mahesh Joshi met him and placed three demands before him:
The first was to hand over the responsibility to appoint the CM to the person elected as Congress president after 19 October. "We said it'll be a conflict of interest," Maken stated, adding, "If CM Ashok Gehlot becomes Congress chief after 19 October, he can empower himself over his own resolution."
MLAs wanted to meet the AICC observers in groups, instead of individually as requested by the latter. "We made it clear that this isn't how it works, but they didn't accept," he said.
The third condition was that the CM should be from among the 102 MLAs who are loyal to CM Ashok Gehlot, instead of Sachin Pilot. "We said that their exact sentiments will be conveyed to the Congress chief, who will take a decision after talking to CM Gehlot and others," Maken said.
"They (Congress MLAs) insisted that the resolution be in line with three conditions, to which we said that never in the history of the Congress has any resolution been passed with strings attached to it and which is conditional. There should be no conflict of interest," Maken added.
Ashok Gehlot Arrives at Hotel to Meet AICC Observers
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot arrived at the Marriott hotel in Jaipur to meet AICC observers Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken.
'Everyone Must Abide by Sonia Gandhi's Decision': Kharge
After his meeting with Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, AICC observer Mallikarjun Kharge said that everybody will have to abide by the decision of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
"We have informed the Congress president about what happened yesterday. Everybody has to abide by whatever decision is taken eventually. There should be discipline in the party," he said.
'CBI, ED May Launch Raids in Rajasthan': Gehlot Loyalist
Rajasthan minister and a CM Ashok Gehlot loyalist PS Khachariyawas said that central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may launch raids in Rajasthan soon, and that the Congress was united to save the state government.
"Every MLA and worker of the Congress is united to save the government. We can spill blood on roads," he said, as per ANI.
Congress Asks Kamal Nath to Arrive in Delhi
Congress high command, on Monday, 26 September, asked Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath to immediately arrive in Delhi. On his arrival, he is likely to mediate the Rajasthan Congress crisis, reported news agency ANI.
Ajay Maken, Mallikarjun Kharge Arrive in Delhi
After their meting with Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur on Sunday, AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge arrive in Delhi.
"We arrived in Delhi after meeting MLAs in Jaipur. We are going to give our report to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi," Ajay Maken said.
Both Kharge and Maken are scheduled to submit their report on Rajasthan political crisis to Sonia Gandhi on Sunday. They also met with Gehlot loyalists Pratap Khachariyawas and Shanti Dhariwal on Saturday in Jaipur.
'Sonia Gandhi Will Eventually Take the Decision': Kharge
On his arrival in Delhi, AICC observer Mallikarjun Kharge said that "We are going to 10 Janpath and will meet Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi. We will apprise her about the events . She will eventually take the decision on it," reported ANI.
KC Venugopal Arrives at Sonia Gandhi’s Residence
AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal arrives at the residence of Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, in Delhi, reported ANI.
AICC observers Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken are also on their way to her residence to submit the report on political crisis in Rajasthan.
Ajay Maken, Mallikarjun Kharge Reach 10 Janpath
AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge arrive at the residence of Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi. They are due to submit their report to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi about Rajasthan political crisis on Monday.
'No Congress Leader Wants to Be National President': BJP
Amid Congress' political crisis in Rajasthan, BJP on Monday said that "None of the Congress leaders want to be party's national president, they prefer to be CM."
'I Did Not Resign': Congress MLA Ganga Devi
In a latest development in political crisis in Rajasthan, Congress MLA Ganga Devi has said that she did not resign.
"I have no idea about the letter, I reached there late. I had not read the letter, and I did not resign. We are with whatever the high command decides. We were to meet the observers but we couldn't go," Devi said.
This comes after sources said that 92 Rajasthan Congress MLAs, including Independents, submitted their resignation to Speaker CP Joshi at the latter's residence on Sunday night.
Ashok Gehlot to Dropout of Congress President's Race: Sources
Amid political turmoil, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot can be out of the Congress president's race, source told The Quint.
New Addition In President's Race
With Gehlot's dropout, as suggested by sources, the party may look for another leader outside the Gandhi family to take over as party chief.
There are a number of names doing the rounds - Digvijaya Singh, Mukul Wasnik, Kamal Nath, Kumari Selja, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sushil Kumar Shinde, to name a few.
Rajasthan Crisis Changes Congress President Race: Gehlot Out, 3 Other Fallouts
The political crisis in the Rajasthan Congress is likely to completely change the race for the next Congress president. The reason for this is that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, till now considered the front-runner for the party chief's post, is now at the centre of the turmoil in the state.
Here are four things that could happen. Read the full story here.
Observers' Meeting Ends With Sonia Gandhi
AICC observers Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge meeting with Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi has ended.
While the addressing the reporters after the meeting, Maken said that "Mallikarjun Kharge and I briefed, in detail, the Congress chief about our meetings in Rajasthan. She asked us for a written report. We'll give it to her by tonight or tomorrow."
'Gehlot Loyalists Demand CM Post': Maken
While addressing reporters, AICC observers Ajay Maken said that the in Rajasthan, some Congress MLAs had put forward three demands. One of them being that someone from Gehlot loyalists should be made the CM.
"102 Gehlot loyalists had told us that someone among them must be made CM. We told them that their opinion would be presented before party chief and that no conditions are attached to resolutions passed. All leaders are consulted before taking the decision," Maken said.
'No Interest In Party President's Post' Kamal Nath
Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath, who was summoned by the party in Delhi, said that he has no interest in party president's post.
"I have no interest in Congress president's post. I am only here for Navratri wishes," Nath said.
Some reports suggest that he has arrived in Delhi to mediate the Rajasthan Congress crisis.
'Status-quo Till President Election Nomination': Report
Status-quo to be maintained till Congress president election nominations, reported ANI, citing sources. The decision on issuing of show cause notices to miffed MLAs, will be taken after interim president Sonia Gandhi takes action on report by Observers, the report added.
'Conspiracy To Remove Ashok Gehlot': Shanti Dhariwal
"It was 100% a conspiracy to remove the CM (Ashok Gehlot) and general secretary incharge was a part of it. I am not talking about anyone else, no charge on Kharge but only the General Secretary incharge," says Rajasthan Minister and Gehlot loyalist Shanti Dhariwal said, according to news agency ANI.