Gehlot Sworn in As Rajasthan CM, Pilot Takes Oath As His Deputy
The formal announcement was made after several rounds of discussions lasting more than two days after the elections.
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Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot take oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister of Rajasthan on Monday, 17 December, at Jaipur’s Albert Hall.
Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh administered the oath of office to Gehlot and Pilot in the presence of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Outgoing Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, NCP's Sharad Pawar, LJD leader Sharad Yadav, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, DMK leader MK Stalin, JMM leader Hemant Soren, JVM leader Babulal Marandi were among others who were present at the ceremony.
The formal announcement was made on Friday, 14 December, after Rahul Gandhi successfully brokered peace between the veteran leader and his younger colleague over several rounds of discussions lasting more than two days.
India’s Grand Old Party won 99 seats of the 199 in the Rajasthan Assembly, just one short of the halfway mark to form the government. The ruling BJP bagged 73 seats and the BSP six.
- Congress leaders Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot won from Tonk and Sardarpura respectively
- Vasundhara Raje resigned as CM on Tuesday, 11 December
- 199 out of the 200 Assembly seats went to polls on 7 December, recording a turnout of 74.21 percent of its 4.74 crore voters
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Rahul Gandhi to be Briefed, Elected MLAs Meet to Pass Resolution
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting will be held at 11 am on Wednesday in which the elected MLAs of the party will pass a resolution. “The observer will seek individual opinions of the MLAs," AICC general secretary Avinash Pande said.
Pande said Congress President Rahul Gandhi will then be briefed and a second meeting of the CLP will be held in the evening. The decision on the new chief minister will be announced after the evening meeting, he said.
'Right Decision Will be to Make Ashok Gehlot the CM': Ramkesh Meena
With all eyes on who will be the next chief minsiter of Rajasthan from the Congress party, Ramkesh Meena, an independent candidate who won from Gangapur, said the "right decision will be to make Ashok Gehlot the CM".
'BSP Will Support Congress in Rajasthan if Required': Mayawati
BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday, 12 December, said her party will support the Congress in Rajasthan if required.
The BSP supremo further said the results showed that the people in the states of Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were totally against the BJP and its anti-people policies.
"As a result, [the people] chose Congress due to the lack of other major alternatives," she said.
'We'll Take a Call Today': Sachin Pilot on Who Will Be Rajasthan CM
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the party will take a call on Wednesday, 12 December, on who will be the Rajasthan chief minister.
Pilot and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot are believed to be the two main contenders for the position.
'Congress Will Stake Claim to Form Govt Soon': Ashok Gehlot
First Meeting of Newly Elected Congress MLAs Takes Place, Decision on CM Soon
10 Independent MLAs Support Sachin Pilot as CM: Report
Ten independent MLAs are supporting Sachin Pilot for the post of the Rajasthan Chief Minister, CNN-News18 reported, citing sources.
Rajasthan Congress Lawmakers Ask Rahul Gandhi to Decide on CM
The Congress legislature party (CLP) in Rajasthan on Wednesday, 12 December, passed a resolution authorising party president Rahul Gandhi to decide name of the chief minister.
"A resolution has been passed by the members in legislature party meeting. The final decision on the chief minister's name will be taken by party president Rahul Gandhi," a Congress leader said.
AICC General Secretary Avinash Pande and party's observer KC Venugopal sought individual opinion of party MLAs in the meeting.
The name of the chief minister will be announced in the evening and a delegation of the party will then meet Governor Kalyan Singh to stake claim for forming government.
(PTI)
Congress Delegation to Meet Governor at 7 pm
A Congress delegation will meet Governor Kalyan Singh at 7 pm today to stake claim on government in Rajasthan.
“The governor has given an appointment to a Congress delegation at 7PM today,” Raj Bhawan sources cited by PTI said.
The delegation led by the chief ministerial candidate will call on the governor and stake claim to form government.
Congress Delegation to Meet Governor at 8 pm
A Congress delegation will meet Governor Kalyan Singh at 8 pm today, after an hour delay, reports News 18.
The delegation will meet Governor to stake claim on government in Rajasthan.
Sachin Pilot & Ashok Gehlot Arrive at Guv's Office
The chief minister candidates Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, along with other Congress leaders, have reached at the Governor's House in Jaipur.
No Consensus on Rajasthan CM Today, Announcement Delayed to 13 Dec
The name of the new chief minister of Rajasthan will likely be announced on Thursday, 13 December, as the Congress party could not reach a consensus today, PTI reported quoting Congress MLA Parsadi Lal Meena.
Giving more details on the postponement of the announcement, AICC General Secretary Avinash Pandey told ANI:
“We met the governor and staked claim to form government. We'll further inform him tomorrow after discussing with the High Command,” said Pandey.
Rahul Gandhi Will Decide on CM After Talking to Observers: Sachin Pilot
Congress’ Rajasthan State President Sachin Pilot has said that the chief minister face for the state will be decided upon by Rahul Gandhi after talking to the observers.
“It's a normal procedure for Congress party legislators to give their feedback to observers. Observers give feedback to Congress President and then a final decision is taken. We've authorised Congress President to take a final view as to who will head CLP leaders of the party,” Pilot said.
Meanwhile, AICC observers for Rajasthan KC Venugopal, General Secretary Avinash Pandey and Secretary In charges will reach Delhi tonight and meet Congress President Rahul Gandhi at his residence tomorrow at 10 am.
Process of electing CMs is still going on: Cong spokesperson Randeep Surjewala
"The process of electing the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan is presently ongoing. Congress party believes in the democratic process of knowing the view point of each elected legislator," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
Senior leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal along with general secretary in charges have gone to their respective states. After consulting everybody we will give a CM candidate and a governmentt that truly reflects will of people of these 3 states.We'll start process of loan waiver, process of creating new employment opportunities and reconstruction of these states in accordance with people's will," he added.
Rahul Gandhi Uses App to Know Workers' Preference For CM Posts
Amid hectic lobbying for the post of chief minister in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has asked the party workers to tell their top choice for the chief minister post in each of the three states, party sources said.
Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Gandhi sent out to them a pre-recorded audio message seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states, the sources said.
Despite repeated attempts, the party spokespersons did not comment on the message and its content. The exact time when the the message was sent could not be ascertained.
Sources, however, said the message has been sent to a large number of party workers in the states that went to polls.
With more than one name doing the rounds for each of the three states where the Congress has secured numbers to form the government, Gandhi said in his message the party workers' choice would reach him directly and would not be known to anyone else.
A senior MLA in one of the three states also confirmed having received the pre-recorded message through the ShaktiApp used by the Congress chief for communicating with the party workers. The MLA said he recorded his choice for the chief minister post in a direct message to the party chief through the application.
Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot Leave for Delhi, to Meet Rahul Gandhi
Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot, both of whom are in the running to become the chief minister of Rajasthan, left for Delhi on Thursday, 13 December. They will be meeting Congress President Rahul Gandhi.
'Decision on Next CM to be Taken Today': Ashok Gehlot
Confirming that the decision on the next Rajasthan CM will be taken today, Congress leader Ashok Gehlot told ANI:
Rahul Gandhi Sent an Audio Message to Party Workers Seeking Feedback for CM Selection
Using an internal messaging platform for the party workers, Rahul Gandhi sent out a pre-recorded audio message to party workers seeking their feedback for selection of the chief minister in their respective states.
'Taking Inputs from MLAs, Party Workers': Rahul Gandhi on Selection of New CM
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said that the people will soon see new chief ministers for both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, as the suspense builds up over who will occupy the top post in the two states.
Speaking to the media, the Congress chief said:
Two Independent MLAs Voice Support for Ashok Gehlot to Become New CM
Rajkumar Gaur and Mahadev Singh Khandela, two independent MLAs from Rajasthan, have voiced their support for Ashok Gehlot to become the new CM of the state.
Amid increasing speculation over whether Gehlot or Sachin Pilot would be chosen for the top post, Khandela said:
Meanwhile, Gaur cited Gehlot's experience to voice his support, saying:
Sachin Pilot's Supporters Raise Slogans Outside AICC HQ Demanding His Selection As CM
Decision on New CM Most Likely to be Announced in the Evening; Avinash Pandey
AICC general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan Avinash Pandey said on Thursday, 13 December, that the decision on the new CM for Rajasthan would most likely be announced in the evening.
It's Advantage Gehlot in Rajasthan CM Race: Sources
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 also a strong contender for the post. However, Gehlot looks set to return as chief minister of the western state for the third time.
Gandhi also held a separate meeting with Pilot, prior to meeting Gehlot.
Security Tightened in Jaipur Ahead of CM Announcement
Security was tightened in Jaipur on Thursday ahead of the announcement of the name of the next Rajasthan chief minister as the supporters of both Pradesh Congress Committee president Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot had started gathering near their residences since morning.
A large number of supporters are present at the civil lines residence of Gehlot, while Pilot's supporters are also present near his house in Jalupura.
"Security arrangements have been tightened looking at the large number of supports at both the places. Additional policemen have been deployed to keep things under control," Additional Commission of Jaipur Police Nitindeep Bluggan told PTI.
Mallya Congratulates Congress Leaders Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia
Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, who has been ordered to be extradited to India by a UK court, on Thursday congratulated Congress leaders Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia over the party's wins in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls.
Sonia, Priyanka at Rahul's Residence Before Decision on CMs in Hindi Heartland
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were in a huddle with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi at his home on Thursday as suspense escalated on who would be named the chief ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, reported PTI.
Sonia Gandhi drove to Rahul Gandhi's Tughlaq Lane residence to discuss the choices for the new chief ministers, party sources said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present at the discussions.
The three spent around 15 minutes each with the Congress president, and left without talking to the media.
Sachin Pilot’s Supporters on Rampage in Rajasthan’s Karoli
Sachin Pilot’s supporters blocked roads in Rajasthan’s Karauli on Thursday, 13 December, in protest as the state awaited a formal announcement on their new Chief Minister.
Sachin Pilot Appeals For Peace
Reacting to the protest in Karauli, Sachin Pilot said, “I appeal to party workers to maintain peace and decorum. I have full faith in the leadership, we will welcome whatever Rahul Gandhi ji and Sonia Gandhi ji decide. It is our responsibility to uphold the honour of the party, we are dedicated to the party “
Will Welcome Whatever Party Leadership Decided: Sachin Pilot
Sachin Pilot requested the media “to not run news based on rumours and only rely on confirmed news. We will welcome whatever the party leadership decides.”
Congress Party is United in Rajasthan, Wait For Final Decision: Ashok Gehlot
Ashok Gehlot, while speaking to reporters on Thursday, 13 December, said that Congress party is united in Rajasthan and appealed to workers and supporters to maintain peace till the party leadership decides on who will be the new CM of Rajasthan.
He said, “I appeal to workers to maintain calm, they have worked very hard, whatever decisions will be taken will be binding on all. Rahul ji is talking to and consulting all leaders.”
Raje 'Second Home' to Be Her Residence as Outgoing CM
Rajasthan's general administration department (GAD) on Thursday allotted outgoing chief minister Vasundhara Raje a bungalow where she had controversially stayed during her term.
She had mostly stayed at 13, Civil Lines instead of the official chief minister's residence at 8, Civil Lines, which was not allotted to anyone else.
The GAD said bungalow number 13 has now been allotted free of cost to Raje as per a 2013 order of the cabinet secretariat.
But, the allotment will be subject to the decision of the Rajasthan High Court on a writ petition pending before its Jaipur bench, it added.
Karauli MLA Appointed as Leader of BSP Legislature Party
Karauli MLA Lakhan Singh has been appointed as the leader of the BSP legislature party.
Tension in Rajasthan's Pokhran After Man, Injured in Poll Day Clash, Dies
Tension gripped Pokhran in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district on Thursday when a man, injured in a clash on the polling day in the state, succumbed to his injuries.
The administration has suspended internet services in the region as a precautionary measure.
The man died on Wednesday night and as the news of the death spread Thursday, angry villagers shut down markets demanding immediate arrest of the accused.
Local BJP candidate Pratap Puri and party former MLA Shaitan Singh joined the agitating villagers who staged a dharna with the victim's body at the Pokhran sub-division office.
"Considering the seriousness of the matter, we have deployed a heavy police force in the area and suspended internet services in order to avoid flaring up of the issue," IGP (Jodhpur) S K Narjari said.
Jugtaram (70), who was returning after casting his vote on 7 December, had suffered serious injuries when two groups clashed in Lathi village.
A case was registered against over a dozen named accused and nearly 11 of them have so far been arrested, the IGP said, adding that the officers from the administration and the police have been talking to the demonstrators to resolve the standoff.
Some vehicles were damaged and set ablaze in the clashes while some persons were injured in stone pelting.
Sachin Pilot Reaches Rahul Gandhi’s Residence
Congress leader Sachin Pilot reaches party president Rahul Gandhi's residence in Delhi, as race for CM of Rajasthan intensifies.
Sachin Pilot Leaves, Ashok Gehlot Reaches Rahul Gandhi's Residence
The race for Rajasthan’s CM seat intensified further late on Thursday, 13 December, as senior leader Ashok Gehlot reached party president Rahul Gandhi’s residence, just as Sachin Pilot left.
This was the second one-on-one meeting the two frontrunners had with Gandhi in the day. The formal announcement is expected early on Friday, India Today reported.
No Decision on Rajasthan CM Till Friday
Congress President Rahul Gandhi has deferred the decisions on chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh till Friday, 14 December as he wants to hold further discussions with party leaders, Congress sources told PTI.
As per media reports, Gandhi might announce the name of the new Rajasthan CM at 11 am on Friday.
Rahul Gandhi to Hold Fresh Round of Discussions With Pilot and Gehlot
Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to hold a fresh round of discussions on Friday, 14 December, with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot before taking a final call for the top post.
The decision regarding Rajasthan's next chief minister will be made public at a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in state capital Jaipur on Friday, PTI reported citing sources.
Party's central observer for Rajasthan KC Venugopal told PTI, "It is up to the Congress president to take a final call and the decision is being awaited."
Pilot is still reportedly not on board on Gehlot's name, which is delaying the announcement, the sources said. The PCC chief has put up a stiff resistance and his staking his own claim for the top post.
Sources said the Congress top brass was upset with the manner in which party workers resorted to arson and violence in the state in a bid to exert pressure on the party to name Pilot.
'Decision is Not Being Delayed, BJP is Spreading Lies': Ashok Gehlot
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who is in the running to become Rajasthan CM, said the decision regarding the same is not being delayed.
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot Meet Rahul Gandhi Again
Rajasthan CM hopefuls Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot met Rahul Gandhi again on Friday, 14 December, for a final settlement on the issue.
Both Gehlot and Pilot were called by the Congress president for an amicable settlement to the issue amid an apparent tussle between the old and young guard in the party, PTI reported, citing sources.
Party's central observer for Rajasthan, KC Venugopal, and AICC general secretary in-charge of party affairs in the state, Avinash Pande, were also present at Gandhi's residence on Friday.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was also present at Gandhi's residence on Friday, though she left ahead of a meeting with Gehlot and Pilot, reported PTI.
There was sloganeering in favour of Pilot by some of his supporters outside Gandhi's residence.
'No Dispute Within Congress Units on CM's Post': Surjewala
Denying any dispute within the Congress units, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said a due process of consultation was on.
He further said the chief minister's issue will be decided for Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in a day or two.
The United Colours of Rajasthan: Rahul Gandhi Tweets Ahead of Rajasthan CM Announcement
Sachin Pilot to be Deputy CM of Rajasthan
Sachin Pilot is to be the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan. He will also continue to be the Rajasthan Congress chief.
Sachin Pilot Reaches Congress HQ in Delhi
Sachin Pilot reached the Congress headquarters where the formal announcement on Rajasthan CM will be made.
Ashok Gehlot Lists Priorities At Press Conference
Rajasthan CM-designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM-designate Sachin Pilot reiterated their promises at today's press conference confirming their posts.
“Sachin Pilot and I will bring good governance in Rajasthan,” Gehlot said.
“I would like to thank Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other legislators for taking this decision to make Ashok Gehlot the chief minister of Rajasthan," said Pilot.
KC Venugopal, All India Congress Committee observer for Rajasthan, said the leaders will be meeting the Rajasthan governor today, after which they will announce the date for oath-taking ceremony.
The Congress on Friday named Ashok Gehlot as Rajasthan’s next chief minister and Sachin Pilot his deputy after party president Rahul Gandhi successfully brokered peace between the veteran leader and his younger colleague over several rounds of discussions lasting for more than two days.
The Congress observer to the state, KC Venugopal, made the announcement at a media briefing in New Delhi.
Addressing the press conference, Gehlot, 67, thanked Gandhi for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the state for a third time, and promised that he and Pilot will bring "good governance".
Pilot, 41, exuded confidence that the Congress' good electoral performance will continue, saying the party will get a big mandate in the 2019 polls and form government at the Centre also.
"Mera aur Ashok Gehlot ji ka jaadu puri tarah chal gaya hai (Gehlot and I worked our magic in the state)," Pilot said.
Congress Congratulates Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot
The Congress party took to Twitter to congratulate Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot for taking up the responsibilities of Rajasthan chief minister and deputy chief minister respectively.
Ashok Gehlot Thanks Rahul Gandhi, Workers and Voters
In a series of tweets after being appointed as the new Rajasthan CM, Ashok Gehlot thanked Congress President Rahul Gandhi, party workers and voters for giving him the opportunity to “serve his people” again. He also promised to erase corruption and bring in “good governance” with the help of his deputy, Sachin Pilot.
Congress Legislature Party to Meet Shortly in Jaipur
The Congress legislature party meeting will be held at a hotel in Jaipur on Friday evening, a party leader said.
The MLAs will be apprised of the party high command to appoint senior leader Ashok Gehlot as the chief minister of the state and Sachin Pilot as the deputy chief minister, the leader added.
After the meeting, a delegation comprising Gehlot and Pilot will head to Raj Bhawan to hand over over the list of MLAs to Governor Kalyan Singh, the leader said.
The schedule of the swearing-in ceremony is yet to be finalised, the leader said further.
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot Reach Jaipur Amid Celebrations
Celebrations broke out among the supporters of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in Jaipur on Friday after the announcement of their appointment as chief minister and deputy chief minister of Rajasthan respectively.
Firecrackers were burnt and jubilant supporters danced on beating of drums as soon as confirmation of Gehlot's appointment was made.
Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot also reached Jaipur where they will hold a legislature party meet shortly.
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot to be Sworn in on 17 December
Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot will be sworn in as chief minister and deputy chief minister of Rajasthan on Monday, 17 December at 10 am.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be attending the ceremony, Gehlot told party MLAs in Jaipur.
The MLAs held a meeting soon after the two leaders arrived from Delhi, where the party had announced that Gehlot would be the state's next chief minister.
A party delegation then left for the Raj Bhawan to meet Governor Kalyan Singh. It included Gehlot, Pilot and AICC general secretary Avinash Pande.
Sachin Pilot Thanks Rahul Gandhi, Assures to Fulfil Promises
Thanking Rahul Gandhi for appointing him as the Rajasthan deputy chief minister, Sachin Pilot tweeted assuring the people of Rajasthan that he will whole-heartedly try to fulfil the promises he made during poll campaigning.
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot Meet Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh
A Phalanx of Opposition Leaders Will Attend Swearing-in Ceremony of Gehlot, Kamal Nath
In a show of solidarity, a phalanx of opposition leaders, including DMK president MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati, will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Congress chief ministers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, reported ANI.
Our Work Begins Today: Sachin Pilot
Ahead of swearing-in ceremony, Rajasthan Dy CM designate Sachin Pilot says "New beginning for the state and people. They trusted us and our work begins today. As soon as cabinet is formed we'll begin working on promises made to people. We'll work to meet their expectations.”
The Manifesto Will be Our Priority: Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister designate Ashok Gehlot, ahead of swearing-in, said, “Once the cabinet is decided, I will work on its advice. Once it’s done, we’ll do what’s in public interest, the manifesto will be our priority.”
Rahul Gandhi, Manmohan Singh Arrive for Oath-Taking Ceremony in Jaipur
Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrive in Jaipur for the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot.
Vasundhara Raje Attends Swearing-in Ceremony of Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot
Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, Congress leader Jitin Prasad and other leaders are also present at the swearing-in ceremony of CM designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM designate Sachin Pilot in Jaipur.
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot Take Oath in Jaipur
Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot was on Monday, 17 December, sworn in as the chief minister of Rajasthan at a ceremony in Jaipur, while Sachin Pilot took oath as deputy chief minister..
Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh administered the oath of office to Gehlot and Pilot in the presence of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh at the Albert Hall in Jaipur.
Several leaders from the Congress and its alliance partners from across the country attended the event.
Rahul Gandhi Congratulates Gehlot, Pilot; Says Congress Committed to Serve Rajasthan
Rahul Gandhi, who was present in Jaipur for Gehlot and Pilot’s oath-taking ceremony today, congratulated the Congress leaders and said his party is committed to serve Rajasthan.