MAKEN EXPRESSES UNWILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE AS RAJ IN-CHARGE
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken has written to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing his “inability and unwillingness” to continue as the leader in-charge of Rajasthan, and offered to step down, over an unprecedented rebellion of state legislators on September 25 that roiled the party ahead of last month’s internal elections.
The development is a major organisation challenge for Kharge, who took over the reins of the party on October 26.
NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken has written to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, offering to step down as the Rajasthan state in-charge over an unprecedented rebellion of state legislators on September 25 that roiled the party ahead of last month’s internal elections.
The development is a major organisational challenge for Kharge, who took over the reins of the party on October 26.
Expressing his “inability and unwillingness” to continue as the leader in-charge of Rajasthan, Maken wrote to Kharge on November 8. He cited the development of September 25 — when 90-odd lawmakers ostensibly loyal to CM Ashok Gehlot rebelled and refused to pass a resolution that would have given the party high-command the right to pick the next CM — and said it warranted “the party’s interest in having a new in charge of Rajasthan”. Maken’s office has not received any news that the resignation has been accepted.
A central leader said: “The three Rajasthan lawmakers, who Maken held responsible for September 25 fiasco, have become key organisers for the Rajasthan leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, underlining Maken’s recommendation for action has been overlooked.” The Gehlot and Sachin Pilot factions interpreted the development differently.
Pilot loyalists expect Maken’s offer will put pressure on Kharge to reconvene a meeting of party MLAS to end the leadership imbroglio. The Gehlot faction, according to a senior leader, saw Maken’s move as his desire to stay away from Rajasthan after attempts to change the CM failed. In his letter, the former Union minister expressed his desire to “concentrate in Delhi through trade unions and NGOS”, raise the “issues of air pollution” and fight for the rights of street vendors, slum dwellers and residents of unauthorised colonies. A senior Congress said that the Rajasthan leadership issue must be resolved now.