Punjab crisis over, Cong shifts focus to Rajasthan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 25

After resolving factionalism in the Punjab unit, the Congress has turned its attention to Rajasthan, where Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot have been locked in a long-standing power struggle.

AICC general secretary in-charge of the state Ajay Maken and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal arrived in Jaipur on Sunday and held deliberations with state leaders on the impending Cabinet reshuffle to appease Pilot’s supporters and strike a balance in representation to dominant communities. Pilot, who had caused a rebellion in the party last year after being assured his due in the Cabinet and state party unit, has been waiting for a settlement for months now.

“There is no conflict among the state unit leaders in respect of Cabinet reshuffle. Everyone has agreed to abide by the Congress high command’s decision,” Maken said after meeting MLAs, ministers and other party leaders.

He will again visit Jaipur on July 28 for further talks, although no timeline was given to the anticipated reshuffle of the Gehlot Cabinet. Of 30 berths, 21 are occupied and the remaining nine are vacant.