The political decision on the role of Sonia Gandhi will be taken by Sonia Gandhi. (file)
New Delhi:
Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot met Sonia Gandhi today, amid reports that she has expressed her desire to become the Chief Minister.
Sources said the meeting was about the future role of Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan and the party, especially as the Congress prepares for elections in the state next year. The last posts he held were that of Rajasthan Congress chief and deputy chief minister, both of which he lost when he revolted in 2020.
Sources said the political decision on his role and responsibilities will be taken by the Congress President.
The meeting comes after a series of high-profile exits from Congress over the past two years. Sachin Pilot is virtually seen as the last man when it comes to Rahul Gandhi’s closest aides; Leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasad and RPN Singh switched to BJP.
Sachin Pilot has made it clear to the Gandhi family that he aspires to be the Chief Minister of Rajasthan; He had dropped out for the top post when the Congress won the 2018 Rajasthan election, but agreed to take on a second role for veteran Ashok Gehlot.
Two years later, he came to Delhi to complain about a crude deal, and camped with a group of 18 legislators who supported him, for weeks before being persuaded to give up his rebellion. The rebellion brought Mr. Gehlot’s government to the brink of collapse.
Mr Pilot had a meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra a few days ago.
In 2020, the Gandhi family was able to look into their grievances and oust them from their rebellion with a promise to give their supporters a better share in the party and the Rajasthan government.
The changes eventually materialized after more than a year. Ashok Gehlot, considered resistant to any change that could give Mr Pilot more power, finally reshuffled his cabinet late last year to accommodate his rival’s supporters.
At the time, Mr Pilot told reporters that he was ready to take on whatever responsibility the party gave him.