Congress President Row: Ashok Gehlot Clarifies 2022 Stand-Off and Sonia Gandhi Offer

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has publicly dismissed long-standing claims that he refused the Congress presidential post in 2022. Speaking on the internal party elections, Gehlot questioned the narrative, asking rhetorically if he would ever reject an offer if Sonia Gandhi had truly wanted him to lead the party. He characterized the rumors surrounding his refusal as part of a "big conspiracy" designed to damage his standing within the party hierarchy.

Addressing the controversial September 2022 political crisis in Rajasthan, Gehlot clarified that the rebellion by his loyalist MLAs was not directed against the Congress high command. Instead, he asserted that the mobilization was entirely a protest against Sachin Pilot potentially being appointed as the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Gehlot emphasized that his supporters remained completely loyal to the central party leadership throughout the high-stakes political stand-off.

Looking forward, Gehlot extended an olive branch by suggesting that Sachin Pilot should "forgive and forget" the past friction to foster party unity. This public overture highlights the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Rajasthan Congress unit as it seeks to rebuild its electoral strength. Observers believe Gehlot’s remarks are aimed at settling historical disputes and presenting a unified front against the BJP in future state and national campaigns.