Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday launched a pointed attack on former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, alleging that Gehlot is rattled by shifting internal dynamics within the Indian National Congress (INC) and growing speculation around a possible expanded role for Sachin Pilot. Shekhawat made the remarks while addressing mediapersons at the BJP office in Jaipur.

The Charge Against Gehlot

Shekhawat alleged that Gehlot, who has dominated Rajasthan Congress politics for nearly four decades, now fears losing his central position in the state unit. According to the Union Minister, this anxiety is driving Gehlot to make a series of what he called 'reckless remarks' in a bid to stay politically relevant.

'He periodically makes such statements to maintain his relevance,' Shekhawat said, adding that while Gehlot presents himself as a Gandhian leader, 'his political conduct is well known to the public.'

Shekhawat Responds to 'Lengthen Your Line' Jibe

Shekhawat directly addressed Gehlot's recent advice that he should 'lengthen his own line' — a phrase implying that Shekhawat should focus on building his own stature rather than cutting others down. The Union Minister pushed back, noting that Rajasthan's political history is replete with examples of Congress leaders who sought independent identities within the party and were subsequently sidelined.

Shekhawat said he draws inspiration from the legacy of Veer Durgadas Rathore and comes from an ordinary family background. He asserted that fear has never governed his conduct and that he remains committed to his ideology and public responsibilities.

Gehlot's Political Legacy: 'Jadugar' Tag

Notably, Shekhawat stopped short of dismissing Gehlot entirely. He acknowledged that as a senior leader, not every statement by Gehlot warrants a formal response. He also credited Gehlot's formidable skills in political management — skills that have earned him the widely-used nickname 'Jadugar' (Magician) among political observers and journalists in Rajasthan. Shekhawat even suggested that party workers could learn from Gehlot's ability to navigate political terrain.

This comes amid a broader churning within the Rajasthan Congress, where the Gehlot-Pilot rivalry has periodically surfaced since the party's 2023 assembly election defeat.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks

Shekhawat also welcomed the selection of Satish Poonia and Alka Gurjar for the Rajya Sabha, saying their inclusion would help present the BJP's ideology and Rajasthan's interests more effectively in the Upper House. He said the selections reflect the party's principle of assigning responsibilities based on merit, experience, and capability, and expressed confidence that both leaders would articulate the party's position with dedication.

With Congress yet to formally announce any new role for Pilot, the internal power contest in Rajasthan's opposition ranks appears far from settled.