'Conspiracy Was Hatched': Ashok Gehlot Breaks Silence on Missing Out Congress President Post

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister claims the party high command favoured his elevation, but internal machinations derailed his path to the top office.

Ashok Gehlot has ignited a fresh debate within the grand old party, asserting that he was the preferred choice of Sonia Gandhi and the central leadership to lead the Congress. In a candid interaction with the media on Sunday, the senior leader claimed that a deliberate "conspiracy was hatched" to prevent him from assuming the role of Congress president, a position he openly admitted he had desired.

The veteran politician’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the turbulent leadership transition phases within the party. Gehlot questioned the narrative surrounding his withdrawal from the presidential race, stating, “When Sonia Gandhi asked me, would I have refused? I believe a conspiracy was hatched against me.” By framing his exclusion as an external obstruction rather than a personal choice, Gehlot has signaled that the wounds from the past leadership reshuffle remain a point of contention.

Addressing the Manesar Chapter

Beyond the thwarted presidency bid, Gehlot attempted to draw a line under the persistent political taunts regarding the Manesar episode. The event, which has long been a source of friction between factions in the Rajasthan unit, was dismissed by the former Chief Minister as an internal family affair.

Gehlot emphasized that the party is committed to resolving these lingering grievances through direct dialogue. “People keep taunting us about Manesar. It is a matter within our family, and we will resolve it among ourselves,” he stated. He named several key state leaders, including Sachin Pilot, Govind Singh Dotasra, and CP Joshi, as participants in this reconciliation process, suggesting that the party is focused on clearing misunderstandings to present a united front.

Loyalty to the High Command

Despite the internal strain, Gehlot maintained a staunch defense of the Rajasthan Congress, insisting that the state unit’s allegiance to the party high command is unwavering. He rejected any suggestion of a revolt, framing the state’s political activity as a reflection of its deep-rooted loyalty.

"There is no alternative to truth," Gehlot added, addressing the recurring questions about the events of September 25. By positioning himself as a loyalist who was undermined by invisible forces, he appears to be attempting to insulate his political legacy from the accusations of insubordination that have dogged the Rajasthan unit for years. Whether these comments will foster genuine reconciliation or invite further scrutiny from rivals remains to be seen, but the assertion has certainly forced the party to confront its past internal conflicts once again.