Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot apologised to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and said he had nothing to do with the rebellion by MLAs close to him, said sources on Monday. The state is witnessing a full-blown crisis as more than 90 MLAs loyal to Mr Gehlot threatened to resign on Sunday. The rebellion by the MLAs, however, can cost Mr Gehlot his shot at the party chief's post.
The Gandhis are reportedly upset at Ashok Gehlot flexing his MLAs and "humiliating" the Congress.
Reports that the Congress leadership wants Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot to replace Ashok Gehlot as Rajasthan Chief Minister triggered the crisis.
The MLAs said they wanted either Mr Gehlot or his pick to be the Chief Minister. They additionally said that the next Chief Minister must be one who supported the government during rival Sachin Pilot's 2020 revolt against Mr Gehlot.
Sources in Delhi said the MLAs were "misled". To arrest the crisis, Congress president Sonia Gandhi sent two central leaders to Jaipur to speak to the MLAs individually.
