The meeting aimed to resolve the longstanding feud between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and party leader Sachin Pilot, emphasizing the party's determination to contest the elections collectively and secure victory against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a significant development, key Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and former chief Rahul Gandhi, convened a crucial meeting with Rajasthan leaders to deliberate on the upcoming state Assembly elections. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the party's election strategy and preparedness. Of particular concern was the longstanding feud between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and party leader Sachin Pilot, which had caused internal divisions within the party.
Following the meeting, Pilot and Gehlot issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to contest the assembly elections as a unified force, under collective leadership. Pilot shared that the party president assured him to leave the past behind and concentrate on the path ahead, emphasizing that the directives of the party high command would be accepted.
Insiders revealed that Pilot might be entrusted with a greater responsibility within the state organization, indicating a potential elevation in his role.
Rahul Gandhi, addressing the gathering, expressed his conviction that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could be defeated if the Congress contested the election with unity. He extended his unwavering support and emphasized the significance of party leaders remaining united to retain power in Rajasthan. The meeting witnessed the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, AICC in-charge of the state Sukhjinder Randhawa, several Rajasthan cabinet ministers, and Sachin Pilot. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, currently recovering from fractures in both his toes, participated virtually.
In an attempt to rally the party and connect with the public, Kharge shared a video from the meeting on Twitter, expressing that Rajasthan was progressing on the path of inclusive development and public welfare. He stated that the Congress party had extended its initiatives to every household in Rajasthan and declared that the party would unite and engage with the public in the forthcoming elections. Kharge further affirmed the party's commitment to fulfill the aspirations of all sections of Rajasthan, assuring that both the present and future of the state were in safe hands with Congress. He concluded with a resolute statement, "History will change this time."
Taking to Facebook, Rahul Gandhi exuded confidence in the Congress party's ability to form the government once again in Rajasthan. He pledged to continue working towards a brighter future for the people, following the meeting with Rajasthan Congress leaders under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge.