Insta
Sachin Won’t ‘Pilot’ Rajasthan: Congress Appoints Ashok Gehlot As State’s Chief Minister
Swarajya Staff
Dec 14, 2018, 06:45 PM | Updated 06:45 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The Congress party, which wrested Rajasthan from the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) earlier this week has appointed Ashok Gehlot as the state’s Chief Minister (CM). The other prominent party leader in the state, Sachin Pilot, will serve as his deputy, the party has informed.
There had earlier been reports of squabbles erupting within the party over the CM post with several Pilot supporters earlier staging protests demanding his elevation to the top post.
.@ashokgehlot51 a stalwart of the Congress party has been elected CM of Rajasthan. We wish him the best as he takes on this new appointment with vigour, sincerity & a commitment to our democratic values. pic.twitter.com/eMvwuZYMM9
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 14, 2018
There had earlier been reports of violent protests by Gujjars in several parts of the state, with the community having significant clout having completely consolidated behind the Congress in the recent elections. Not a single Gujjar candidate won from the BJP despite the party fielding nine of them. Pilot, who also belongs to the community, is seen as someone carrying forward the legacy of his late father, Rajesh Pilot.
Our best wishes to Shri @SachinPilot, the new Deputy CM of Rajasthan. A young & dedicated leader, he is sure to bring development, peace & happiness to the people of Rajasthan. pic.twitter.com/0UlcCDESFl
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 14, 2018
Heavy security was earlier deployed at the Jaipur airport, Pradesh Congress committee (PCC) office and Raj Bhawan to maintain peace as the Gandhis - Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka - were engaged in hectic parleys with Congress functionaries.
Gehlot, also the AICC general secretary in-charge of the organisation, appealed to his followers to maintain calm and claimed that the party high command was in the midst of a democratic process to find a suitable person for the post.
For Gehlot, 67 year-old, this will be the third stint as the state’s CM, having earlier served the state from 1998 to 2003 and then from 2008 to 2013.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.