Breaking: Rajasthan Drama Ends: Gehlot CM, Pilot Deputy CM, say sources

Rahul magic...Pilot agrees to be CM Gehlot's 'co-pilot' for three years

New Delhi, News24 Bureau, Dec 14

: According to sources, the Big Rajasthan drama seems to come to an end as of now as both Asok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot get their share. Early reports suggest that while Ashok Gehlot will be the Chief minister, Sachin Pilot will be the deputy CM of Rajasthan. The announcement to come soon. The brokered peace does not augur well for the governance in Rajasthan.

Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot met Rahul Gandhi after which Cong chief tweeted the image with a post, 'United colours of Rajasthan'.

The story earlier

:

Though the unrest in Madhya Pradesh is settled with Congress veteran Kamalnath chosen for CM's post in MP; the dispute in Rajasthan continues with the frenzied crowd spilling on streets. Today will be a crucial day for Rajasthan, as in all likelihood, Congress President Rahul Gandhi will take a decision on who will be donning the  CM's chair in Rajasthan.

Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot appears to be emerging as the favourite for the chief minister's post in Rajasthan, after party chief Rahul Gandhi held hectic deliberations with senior leaders including him.

It is advantage Gehlot, sources said, after he came out of Gandhi's residence.

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot is again visiting Rahul Gandhi Friday morning. Pilot is also a strong contender for the post, and his supporters are ensuring that only this happens.  However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time.

Gandhi had earlier also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.

Veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday emerged Rahul Gandhi's pick as the Chief Minister in Rajasthan, but suspense continued the with state party chief Sachin Pilot putting up his claim strongly as the two leaders had late night meetings with the Congress President.

Both Pilot and Gehlot had separate meetings with Gandhi, unlike in Madhya Pradesh where the two aspirants -- Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia -- had met him together.

Party observer for Rajasthan K. C. Venugopal, who was also at the meetings, told the media later that taking decision on leadership was not easy but it will be announced on Friday.

"Taking decision on CM is not an easy job. The final decision will be taken tomorrow in a meeting to be held here around 10 a.m.," he said.

Pilot, who had a meeting with Gandhi earlier in the day, reached Gandhi's residence at 10.30 p.m on Thursday.

The meeting came hours after the leadership issue was settled in Madhya Pradesh, with Gandhi tweeting his picture with Kamal Nath and Scindia, who were both chief ministerial aspirants. The smiling picture carried the line "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time - Leo Tolstoy."

Kamal Nath was chosen as the new Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and both he and Scindia flew down to Bhopal to announce the decision.

With Agencies