Rajasthan Elections 2023: 'Gehlot doesn't want to be CM again but the post wants him back'

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

This could be the fourth comeback for Ashok Gehlot as the chief minister of Rajasthan. "I don’t aspire to become the chief minister, but this post doesn’t leave me,” the veteran Congressman told a woman who prayed for his victory while undergoing treatment for her heart-related ailments on state funding.

"The post won't probably leave me this time too," the 72-year-old leader said, reiterating that he never aspired to rule the state. “(But) there is something in me because of which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are letting me to govern the state."

Gehlot on October 18 broke his silence over reported infighting within the Congress camp with the state polls just over a month away.

“All decisions are being taken with everyone’s consensus. I am part of the discussion over supporters of Sachin Pilot,” Gehlot said. “There is no difference between Sachin Pilot and me. Almost all candidates who support Sachin Pilot have been shortlisted and I have not objected to that. This makes clear the leaders have respect and love for each other.”

Reacting to the development that a few MLAs from his camp will be denied tickets because of their alleged involvement in boycotting the party’s legislature meet in Jaipur last year, he said that the candidates for November 25 polls are being selected based on their chances to win.

The Congress veteran claimed the Rajasthan legislators have never had any difference within them as everyone was given their due share and everyone is fighting the polls together. "The problem is for the BJP as everything here (read: Congress camp) is happening smoothly," he alerted.