‘Gehlot in no threat…has support of over 100 MLAs’

Rajasthan revenue minister Harish Choudhary has claimed that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has the support of over 100 MLAs in the state so it would not be right to compare Rajasthan’s situation with that of Punjab.

Harish Choudhary, who was a central observer during the recent political turmoil in Punjab, said, “There is a difference between Rajasthan and Punjab. Hundred plus Rajasthan MLAs are with Gehlot, so we cannot correlate these two cases.”

Talking to the media in Jaipur on Monday, Choudhary said MLAs demanded a change in Punjab but this is not the case in Rajasthan.

He said there may be a difference of opinion which is normal but factionalism is not there in the Congress.

He refused to comment on the long-pending cabinet rejig but said, “The chief minister was scheduled to go to Delhi earlier but because of his health issues, he couldn’t go. Gehlot is not only limited to Rajasthan. Even at the national level his advice is sought following his experience and political acumen.”

Notably, after the leadership change in Punjab, speculations have been rife on the changes in Rajasthan where the party is divided.

Recent meetings of former deputy CM Sachin Pilot with Congress high command leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra twice within a week also created buzz in the political circles.

Choudhary was appointed as a central observer for the Congress Legislature Party meeting in Punjab with Harish Rawat and Ajay Maken.

Terming the rejig in Punjab historic, Choudhary said the party rewards workers based on their capabilities.

“It happened democratically. Every person wants that where he is, that space remains constant. This is a human tendency. But the Congress gave many opportunities to Capt Amarinder Singh. The MLAs of Punjab wanted leadership change and their reasons for wanting a change was logical. He denied Singh was ‘humiliated’.