Congress has formally announced that Ashok Gehlot will be Rajasthan's Chief Minister.
Two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot will be chief minister of Rajasthan and Sachin Pilot has accepted the Deputy Chief Minister's post. An official announcement on the matter has been made.
Rahul Gandhi, who met both Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot at his residence yesterday, made his final decision today. While Ashok Gehlot is backed by the party leadership, Sachin Pilot is popular among the youth. After yesterday's meetings, sources say Ashok Gehlot has an edge.
Party observer for Rajasthan KC Venugopal said, "Taking decision on CM is not an easy job. The final decision will be taken tomorrow (today, Friday) in a meeting to be held around 10 am."
On the other hand for Chhattisgarh, frontrunners TS Singh Deo and Bhupesh Baghel have been called to Delhi from Raipur for discussions with top party leaders.
Here are the updates on the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan:
Congress President Rahul Gandhi will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot as on December 17. On the same day, he will attend Kamal Nath's swearing-in as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister: news agency ANI
Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh
After the formal announcement, supporters of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot began celebrations in Jaipur. Firecrackers were burnt and jubilant supporters danced to drums soon after the confirmation. Mr Gehlot suppoters were camped outside his residence since morning
I am very grateful to our leader Rahul Gandhi and all our newly elected MLAs. They decided that I should have the opportunity to serve Rajasthan once more, Ashok Gehlot tweeted.
Ashok Gehlot has faced serious opposition in the race to the Chief Minister's post in 1998 and 2008 as well, with Jat leaders in the Congress opposing him. On both occasions, he overcame the opposition to be named by the Congress as the chief minister.
(news agency PTI)
Celebrations outside Ashok Gehlot's residence in Jaipur after Congress officially announced he would become Rajasthan's Chief Minister
Congress delegation will meet Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh in Jaipur at 7 pm today: news agency ANI
After the announcement Ashok Gehlot said the Congress campaign highlighted Sushaasan (good governance) and earned faith of the people. Mr Gehlot added that the party would work
to provide good governance. He thanked public for the mandate.
Rajasthan Chief Minister designate Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister designate Sachin Pilot at Congress headquarters in Delhi
Congress also tweeted a congratulatory message to Sachin Pilot. "Our best wishes the the new Deputy CM of Rajasthan. A young & dedicated leader, he is sure to bring development, peace & happiness to the people of Rajasthan".
Congress press conference with Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot has ![]()
begun. Mr Gehlot's appointment as Chief Minister has been formally announced
Sachin Pilot has accepted Deputy Chief Minister's post, say sources
United Colours of RajasthanDropping a hint on the future Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi posted a picture of Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot
Congress lawmaker Ashok Gehlot, also a top contender for the post of chief minister of Rajsathan said, "All the process takes time, it's such a big decision, and a lot of thought goes into it."
No dispute or differences within party on who will be CM in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh; due process of discussion is on, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said
The decision of Rajasthan's next chief minister is likely to be taken before noon and will be made public at a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in state capital Jaipur, sources said.
Forty-year-old Pilot is still reported not on board on Gehlot's name, which is delaying the announcement, the sources said.
Congress made a stunning comeback in Rajasthan winning 99 of 199 seats. Party sources said Ashok Gehlot has emerged as the front-runner for the post, while the other popular choice for Rajasthan's next chief minister is Sachin Pilot.