Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot might not wield significant influence within the central leadership of the Congress party any longer, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat claimed on Thursday. Shekhawat pointed out Gehlot”s decision not to step down from the chief minister’s post to contest the election for Congress president, implying a shift in the veteran leader”s role within the party. He noted that while Gehlot previously held positions such as general secretary in the party”s central leadership, it seems unlikely this time around.
“This time Ashok Gehlot probably won”t have any role in the party (Congress) in Delhi. Now that he will be free, I will definitely visit him to have a cup of tea and learn how he kept himself relevant for so long in politics,” the BJP leader told a news agency.
Shekhawat has maintained that the people of Rajasthan have moved past what he termed the “spell” of the “magician”, referring to Gehlot hailing from a lineage associated with magic, having assisted his father during his performances.
Gehlot has had a significant influence within the Congress, demonstrating a strong support base by thwarting numerous attempts to challenge his leadership in Rajasthan. However, after losing the state to BJP in the last assembly elections, questions are being raised whether the leader still has it in him to rally the Congress to a win against the BJP.
Meanwhile, the Union Jal Shakti Minister is confident that the BJP is going to win all 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan in the upcoming elections.
“The lotus (BJP”s election symbol) is going to bloom on all the 25 seats of Rajasthan,” he said.
Shekhawat stressed that the BJP”s commitment extends beyond election seasons, underlining the party”s consistent engagement in addressing both national and local concerns.
“BJP has been continuously working in the interest of society, on issues of national and local importance. BJP will again form a government with a full majority. (BJP will win) 25 seats in Rajasthan and (NDA will win) over 400 Lok Sabha seats,” the minister said.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Shekhawat highlighted the trend of leaders from other parties flocking to the BJP means victory for the party.
Congress”s downward slide should make its leaders reconsider its strategy, he added.
Responding to reports of discontent within the “Kshatriya” community in certain parts of Rajasthan, Shekhawat refuted the claims, affirming the BJP”s enduring support from the community.
“I disagree with such assertions. The BJP, as a national entity, has historically had support from the “Kshatriya” community. Any issues will be diligently addressed and resolved,” he reassured.
