Gehlot wins over more MLAs close to Sachin Pilot | Economic Times

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to have made a stealth strike again. Gehlot is learnt to have won over a group of rebel Congress MLAs during the last fortnight after a series of low-profile meetings. These rebel MLAs in question had stayed aligned with former deputy CM Sachin Pilot even after their coup bid failed last year, making Congress circles in Delhi and Jaipur wonder whether Pilot’s latest lament on non-redress of pending issues was a coincidence or reflection of his dismay over Gehlot’s latest manoeuvre.Rebel MLAs including Vishwendra Singh Bhagalpur, PR Meena, Inder Ram Gujjar — who were with Pilot at a Haryana hotel last year during their month-long ill-fated operation — have warmed up to the CM and have made public statements in his favour, triggering a buzz about yet another realignment, Congress leaders familiar with the developments said. They had remained with Pilot even after some other rebels led by Bhawar Lal Sharma left the hotel, made peace with the CM, and busted the toppling plot last year.The ‘mellowing’ of rebels, Congress insiders said, followed the CM meeting them individually, in person or online, while ‘reviewing progress of development work’ in their respective constituencies and other matters. The local media quoted Vishwajit Singh as saying, “I stand with Ashok Gehlot. Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi has designated him as CM. I am with Sachin Pilot too and am acting like a bridge between Gehlot and Pilot so that Congress can be saved.” But his son, a known supporter of Pilot, mounted a social media campaign to take pot shots at his father.Congress leaders referred to Meena’s widely reported comments after his recent meeting with the CM: “The CM gave to my constituency more than what I had asked for. I thank CM Gehlot wholeheartedly. The Congress was united, is united and will remain united. I can guarantee that the Congress government will be formed again in the state and if the people’s condition continues to remain the same under the Modi government, then the Congress government will be formed in the country too,” he had said.While the MLAs were not available for comments, another senior Congress leader said: “All MLAs have to ultimately ensure development to keep the people of their constituency happy. We cannot overlook the overall aspirations of the people for appeasing the so-called ‘wounded sentiment’ of some sections of the Gujjar community. This is not the time to play politics to seek or relish power. This is the time for serving the people who are struggling to save their lives fighting Covid-19.” It remains to be seen whether the MLAs, along with earlier rebels-turned loyalists, would find ministerial berths in the next expansion.The AICC spokesperson had on Wednesday said Pilot should show patience and hope the leadership will take care of his aspirations. The Pilot camp has been hopeful of him getting an early AICC post ever since he was removed from PCC president and deputy CM posts.