No Winners in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has managed to save his crown for the time being by beating back the challenge from his deputy, Sachin Pilot as well as the opposition BJP. He won a vote of confidence in the state Assembly without much opposition last week.
But it appears to be a temporary reprieve. Before returning to the Congress fold, Sachin Pilot secured an assurance from the party high command that his grievances would be looked into. Following that, the Congress central leadership has set up a three member committee to go into the nitty gritty of Pilot’s grievances against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. What is more, the high command has also changed the general secretary incharge of Rajasthan affairs.
It is clear that there is no love lost between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot despite the peace deal worked out by the Congress high command. This is clear from the way in which Sachin Pilot was pushed to the back benches in the Assembly, despite being a former Deputy Chief Minister.
From the way events unfolded, it is apparent that Sachin Pilot was forced to return to the Congress fold, when he had very few options left. Gehlot, it appears, had been able to get back the support of at least five or six of the 18 MLAs, who had earlier sided with Sachin Pilot. Only after that, Sachin Pilot was forced to strike a face saving deal with the central leadership.
Apparently, there has been no meeting of minds. In the circumstances, both factions in the Rajasthan Congress are likely to be wary of each other. How long the truce will last is anybody’s guess.
Also, the BJP is not going to be deterred from making another attempt to dislodge another Congress state government. The fissures in the Rajasthan Congress will provide more opportunities for the BJP, which is rich with resources.
The Congress central leadership will have to show more alertness if renewed attempts by the BJP to fish in troubled waters are to be defeated.
 

(Political Analyst)