Amid Cong Punjab drama, Pilot meets Rahul, discusses ‘Rajasthan reshuffle’

The much-discussed reshuffle in the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan has been hanging fire for some time, and the two leaders are learnt to have discussed that, as also the political situation in the state.

Pilot had a quiet meeting with Rahul Gandhi. (File photo)

On Friday, as the Congress leadership was preparing to make a leadership change in Punjab, senior Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot had a quiet meeting with former party chief Rahul Gandhi. The much-discussed reshuffle in the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan has been hanging fire for some time, and the two leaders are learnt to have discussed that, as also the political situation in the state.

AICC general secretary in charge of Rajasthan, Ajay Maken, has made multiple visits to the state and has taken views of all MLAs. A Cabinet reshuffle and inclusion of some MLAs loyal to him, besides political appointments to various boards and corporations in the state, had been a demand repeatedly placed before the party high command by Pilot.

But despite Maken making multiple visits, the reshuffle has not taken place. Sources said Pilot has been given an assurance again that the reshuffle would take place soon. With the party leadership asserting itself and easing out Amarinder Singh in Punjab, Congress leaders in Rajasthan are expecting a decisive intervention by the central leadership.

Senior AICC leaders, however, pointed out that the situation in Rajasthan, or for that matter in Chhattisgarh, is different from that of Punjab. Both Rajasthan CM Gehlot and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel command the support of a majority of party MLAs. But their rival factions in both states hope the central leadership will now mount pressure on them to fall in line.

Gehlot has so far refused to be pressured by the Cabinet reshuffle issue.

Chhattisgarh Health Minister T S Singh Deo, meanwhile, arrived in Delhi on what he said is a personal visit. Singh Deo is seen as hoping for a change of guard in Chhattisgarh and wants the high command to prod Baghel to honour an unwritten agreement — of rotating charge — that Baghel and he had agreed upon in 2018 when the party won the elections with a huge mandate.

Sources in Congress signaled that the issue of rotational CM is not a closed chapter.

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More

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