Gehlot may take charge of desert state once again

Two weeks ago, Jat leader Narayan Singh was removed as PCC chief, indicating that for the first time after the Assembly polls, the party high command was having second thoughts on giving weightage to the Jat community.

According to sources, the Congress’ bad performance in the Lok Sabha, municipal and panchayat elections indicate that the Jat formula has not worked. Selection of outgoing CLP leader B.D. Kalla as the new PCC chief also gives Gehlot a chance to stake claim and step into the evolving vacuum. In fact, on Saturday, during a show of strength — for election of a new CLP leader — before Central observers Mukul Wasnik, Motilal Vora and Ajay Maken, about 40 out of 55 party MLAs favoured Gehlot. Now, it’s up to the party high command.

‘‘In spite of the defeat in the Assembly polls, Gehlot is still the most popular Congress leader in Rajasthan,’’ an MLA said. On his part, Gehlot merely said, ‘‘I am ready to accept the responsibility if the party gives it to me.’’

According to a section in the party, Gehlot is playing his cards well. ‘‘He wanted to tell the high command he is the acceptable face of the Congress in Rajasthan. But he is shrewd enough not to become the CLP leader, at least not immediately… He is eyeing the leadership slot after the next elections,’’ an MLA said.

Detractors, however, argued Gehlot would never be able to return. ‘‘His name evokes anger among Jats and government employees,’’ a Narayan Singh supporter said.

Another factor that may hurt Gehlot’s fortunes is corruption. ‘‘The CBI had booked three of his senior ministers after they were caught on camera accepting bribe. Can the party afford to give another chance to a man who ran a corrupt government,’’ said a detractor.