Jaipur: The resounding win for the Congress party in Karnataka has opened several vistas for the party all across the country, especially Rajasthan which is going for elections later this year, where Congress party may follow the party discipline forged by the leaders and workers of the party in Karnataka.
On May 24, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed his belief that the Congress party would regain power in the upcoming state Assembly elections if it stood united. When asked about dissident Congress Leader Sachin Pilot, Gehlot chose not to comment directly but emphasised that everyone within the party accepts the decisions made by the High Command.
During a meeting on May 15, Pilot issued a warning that if his demands were not met by the end of this month, he would initiate a state-wide agitation. Among his demands was a high-level inquiry into alleged scams that occurred during the tenure of Gehlot’s predecessor, Vasundhara Raje.
When questioned about leaders who set ultimatums for their own party-led governments, Gehlot dismissed it as media exaggeration. He stated that Congress firmly believes in contesting elections collectively, with the expectation of emerging victorious. The Assembly elections in Rajasthan are scheduled for later this year.
The Congress is likely to hold a meeting in Delhi to discuss the situation in Rajasthan in the coming days. Gehlot confirmed that discussions will take place, allowing everyone to provide their suggestions. Following this, instructions will be issued by the High Command, and Gehlot emphasised that the decisions made by the party president are universally accepted, enabling them to proceed with their work.
Gehlot expressed his hope that the discussions would draw upon the experience of Karnataka, implying that it could be beneficial for them. He took a swipe at the BJP, referring to the recent Karnataka Assembly election results and stating that the people of Karnataka have conveyed a lesson that Governments cannot be formed solely through donations and excessive spending. He believes that the people of every state in the country will follow the same path.
Regarding the state Government’s inflation relief camp campaign, Gehlot highlighted its successful implementation and the enthusiasm it has generated among the people. The campaign aims to alleviate the impact of inflation on the public, as it has been designed to provide relief to the citizens.