No side ready to budge in Rajasthan

Two days since the Rajasthan election results were declared, no consensus is still seen for the post of chief minister. Thursday witnessed marathon sessions between party president Rahul Gandhi, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin pilot but to no avail. Even UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made visits to the 12 Tughlaq Road.

Early morning, both leaders departed from Jaipur, called by the party chief to discuss the top job and Cabinet portfolios. Both camps sent out feelers to party high command about show of strength among MLAs and public.

Majority MLAs appear to support Gehlot, an old hand in Rajasthan and former CM. The odds of MLAs stacked against Gehlot were 63 and 36 for Pilot. MLAs present at Gehlot residency in Jaipur expressed support quoting administrative experience of the senior leader.

However, few MLAs also stood in support if Pilot referring to his hard-work that resurrected congress and brought it back to state. Meanwhile, loudest cheer among supporters came for Pilot. The younger, boisterous group of men in Jaipur continued to shout slogans for Pilot.

Compared to Wednesday, crowd had dwindled and enthusiasm reduced due to delay. During noon, police deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF). An water cannon was also placed as precautionary measure for crowd control.

However, by evening there were hardly any supporters around party office and action shifted to Ashok Gehlot official house. A final round of meeting started at 10.30 pm as Sachin Pilot reached Rahul Gandhi's house, in hope of a conclusion.