With the elections done in Rajasthan and victory clearly in Congress’ kitty although not an emphatic one as it was expected, the party’s next challenge is an anticipated leadership tussle.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and state Congress president Sachin Pilot are the leading contenders for the top post in the state.
Both the leaders along with the newly-elected Congress MLAs from across the state, reached the Pradesh Congress Committee office on Wednesday to attend a meeting which will choose the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, who will be the Chief Minister.
The 99 newly-elected Congress lawmakers will share their choice with two central leaders of the party at the meeting. The final decision will be taken by party President Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress emerged as the single-largest party in Rajasthan with 99 seats — one short of a majority.
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Early on Wednesday, newly-elected MLAs and party rebels gathered at the residence of Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur calling for his selection as the chief minister.
“Our demand is that Congress leadership takes the decision keeping in mind upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the right decision will be to make Ashok Gehlot the CM,” Ramkesh Meena, independent candidate who won from Gangapur told ANI.
Ashok Gehlot is known for his deft political management and ability to keep the flock together.
Both Pilot and Gehlot have played a major role in the distribution of tickets among the candidates.