Ashok Gehlot named next CM of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot to be Deputy

The experienced Gehlot, 67, has served as chief minister for two terms, is expected to take over. Pilot, 41, who desperately wanted to head the government, has been asked to wait for his turn.

Rajasthan Chief Minister designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot at AICC headquarters in Delhi. PIC/PTI.

New Delhi: Old political warhorse Kamal Nath won the CM race in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan followed a similar script today. The party named Ashok Gehlot as the next chief minister of the state but opened a deputy post for Pilot. The young Sachin Pilot was persuaded to pave way for the veteran to the top post. The differences were contained and Rahul Gandhi was successful in effectuating a consensus. On the lines of Madhya Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi again shared a picture of him with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, captioning it "united colours of Rajasthan." The experienced Gehlot, 67, who has served as chief minister for two terms, has again taken over. Pilot, 41, who desperately wanted to head the government, was asked to wait for his turn. His supporters exerted immense pressure on the Congress leadership to make him the chief minister but he eventually settled for the second in command position. "I would like to thank Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other legislators for taking this decision to make Ashok Gehlot Ji the Chief Minister of Rajasthan,"Pilot said in a press conference joined by Gehlot and other party leaders. Giving out a beatific smile, Pilot said that his and Gehlot's magic has been weaved in Rajasthan and the next step is now to build a stable government. The Congress leaders will be meeting the Governor in the evening to stake claim to form the government. Pilot had tweeted last evening after a meeting with Rahul: “I appeal to party workers to maintain peace and decorum. I have full faith in the leadership; we will welcome whatever Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi decide. It is our responsibility to uphold the honour of the party. We are dedicated to the party.”

The united colours of Rajasthan! pic.twitter.com/D1mjKaaBsa

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 14, 2018

The tweet came amid reports that his supporters had blocked a highway demanding that he be made chief minister. Reports said his supporters were agitating outside Gandhi’s residence this morning. Congress will brief the media persons at 4:30 pm to officially disclose who among the two will rule Rajasthan next.