Congress Calls Meet, Invites Sachin Pilot As Crisis Worsens

The Congress on Monday avoided collapse in Rajasthan after a revolt by its number two leader in the state, Sachin Pilot, but it packed off at least 100 MLAs to a resort in a sign that its crisis is far from over. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot flashed the victory sign along with Congress MLAs who attended his meeting in Jaipur, asserting that his government is safe. The party has called another meeting of legislators at 10 am on Tuesday and invited rebel Sachin Pilot who remained cold to the overtures. As the 42-year-old denied any meeting with Rahul Gandhi, sources close to Mr Gandhi said the two "speak often, directly... and have great respect and affection for each other".