The clout of Ashok Gehlot is increasing in centre. And so does the influence of Rajasthan. AICC president Rahul Gandhi’s confidence looks to grow on Gehlot’s abilities. After appointing him the all-important AICC General Secretary (Organisation & Training), Rahul Gandhi has inducted the former Rajasthan chief minister in party’s Central Election Committee (CEC), the apex body which finalises ticket distribution.
This is the first second major move of Rahul Gandhi after he became the president. And in both his initiatives, Gehlot featured. First while reshuffling his team of general secretaries, Rahul Gandhi offered him the most important portfolio signalling the value he has to the political acumen of Gehlot. And now without disturbing the existing CEC, he just included Gehlot before the important Karnataka elections where the party stands good chance of repeating its government.
Gehlot is the second leader from Rajasthan besides former union minister Girija Vyas who is part of this key functionary of Congress. Other members of the CEC committee include Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, AK Antony, Ahmed Patel, Ambika Soni, Janardan Dwivedi, Mukul Wasnik, M Veerappa Moily, Mohsina Kidwai and Oscar Fernandes.
The committee’s first and foremost assignment is to finalize candidates for Karnataka assembly election which is slated to be held in May. Next come assembly election in Rajasthan along with Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh in the year-end which will be followed by the Loksabha General Election and Orissa assembly election in April-May in 2019. The committee is likely to meet on Tuesday to discuss party candidates for the Karnataka elections.
With every incremental role at the central leadership, Gehlot’s involvement in Rajasthan politics is likely to wane down.
“This would also give party state chief Sachin Pilot a free hand to operate in the state without considering any other political equation,” said a senior Congress leader.
However, with Gehlot in CEC, his role in ticket distribution will be key in Rajasthan elections. His choice of candidates was evident in the successful Punjab elections where he was heading the screening committee. The favourable results for Congress in Gujarat have also proved his mettle
“Being Organization General Secretary he is ears and eyes of Rahul Gandhi in reshuffling within the organization and now with appointment in the election committee he would be playing important role in giving tickets to aspirants, particularly for Rajasthan,” said a senior leader.
