Ashok Gehlot alleges conspiracy in Congress leadership race

Ashok Gehlot, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, said he would not have refused the party presidency if Sonia Gandhi had offered it.

The comments highlight enduring internal friction within the Indian National Congress, suggesting that leadership transitions and regional crises may have been influenced by hidden agendas rather than transparent party processes.

Speaking during a public interview in Rajasthan, Gehlot said he addressed the dynamics of the party's presidential election and the internal turmoil that has historically shaken the organization. He specifically pointed to a "big conspiracy" regarding the 2022 ^[1] Rajasthan Congress crisis, which saw significant leadership tension within the state unit.

"If Sonia Gandhi had offered me the post, I would not have refused," Gehlot said ^[1].

Gehlot said he was speaking out to counter a targeted narrative and to bring attention to internal party machinations. He suggested that these maneuvers were designed to harm his political standing and influence the trajectory of the party's national leadership.

The former Chief Minister linked these internal struggles to the broader context of the party's presidential race, alleging that the process was not as straightforward as it appeared to the public. He indicated that the events of 2022 ^[1] were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of organizational instability.

Gehlot did not name specific individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy but emphasized that the lack of a direct offer from the party leadership prevented his ascent to the presidency. His remarks come as the party continues to navigate the balance between established leadership and emerging regional power centers.