The Rajasthan Revolt: Gehlot’s pride bringing him to a devastating loss?

The Team Gehlot skipped a meeting yesterday, and refused to talk to Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge, who had asked to meet them one-on-one.Stood up by the MLAs, Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge headed back to Delhi. Sources accused team Gehlot of humiliating the central leaders.

A rebellion by more than 90 Congress MLAs in his support may cost Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot his shot at the party chief’s post. Mr Gehlot backed off, seemingly reconciled to his new role, but it was clear he was not about to hand over Rajasthan to his rival Sachin Pilot on a platter. Though he has denied any role in Sunday’s revolt, few believe that Congress MLAs in Rajasthan would take such a big step without is blessing.

The Gandhis are reportedly upset at Ashok Gehlot flexing his MLAs and “humiliating” the Congress.

Flagging the MLAs’ demand that any meeting on a new Chief Minister be held only after the next Congress president is elected, Mr Maken said, “It would be conflict of interest as the resolution would be passed when Ashok Gehlot may already be party chief. So, he empowers himself to decide on his own successor in Rajasthan.”

As the Rajasthan crisis peaked, another potential candidate from Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, arrived in Delhi to meet with Sonia Gandhi.