‘I Wanted to Become Congress President, But There Was a Conspiracy’: Ashok Gehlot Makes Big Claim
Former Rajasthan CM says Congress leadership had chosen him for party chief role, alleges political developments and a ‘conspiracy’ prevented his appointment
Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has reignited a political debate by claiming that a “conspiracy” prevented him from becoming the national president of the Congress party, despite the leadership having already selected him for the role.
Speaking about the episode years later, Gehlot said he had been fully prepared to take on the responsibility and considered it an honour. According to him, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and the party’s top leadership had made up their minds to appoint him as Congress president.
However, Gehlot alleged that sudden political developments in Rajasthan changed the situation dramatically. He claimed that after party observers were sent to the state to assess the political environment, circumstances shifted quickly, ultimately stopping him from taking over the party’s top post.
Gehlot also rejected the widespread perception that he backed out because he did not want to resign as Rajasthan Chief Minister. He said the narrative was false and insisted he never voluntarily stepped away from the opportunity.
“I wanted to become Congress president,” Gehlot said, adding that a conspiracy not only blocked his appointment but also harmed his political image by creating misunderstandings among party workers and the public.
The veteran Congress leader further stressed the historical significance of the Congress president’s position, referring to leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and K. Kamaraj. He argued that the post has always been one of respect and responsibility, not dependent on family background or personal influence.
Gehlot maintained that the “real truth” behind the episode is still unknown to many and said he continues to explain his side of the story, though changing public perception remains difficult.
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