Rahul to hold fresh round of discussions with Gehlot, Pilot

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to hold a fresh round of discussions Friday with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, the two chief ministerial aspirants in Rajasthan, before taking a final call for the top post. The decision of Rajasthan’s next chief minister is likely to be taken before noon and will be made public at a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party in state capital Jaipur, sources said.

 After several rounds of discussions that lasted till Thursday midnight, Congress veteran Gehlot has emerged as a front runner for the top post, while Pradesh Congress Committee president Pilot is being placated in attempts to broker peace between the two. Party’s central observer for Rajasthan K C Venugopal told, “It is up to the Congress president to take a final call and the decision is being awaited.”

Congress leaders feel once the MLAs in the state have authorised Gandhi to take a decision on the chief minister, leaders should not challenge the high command and accept the decision. Pilot, 41, is still reported not on board on Gehlot’s name, which is delaying the announcement, the sources said. The PCC chief has put up a stiff resistance and his staking his own claim for the top post. AICC general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pande told,” Congress president heard everyone and after wide consultations he will take the final decision which will be acceptable to all.”