Times when Ashok Gehlot outplayed his detractors in the past

As CM Gehlot looks to tide over the political crisis in Rajasthan, we look at how he dealt with detractors in the past. Gehlot, a Gandhi loyalist has always used his soft-spoken, calculated approach to tide over defections and rebellion within the party.

Hyderabad: While Sachin Pilot has emerged as an icon among the youth, and the Congress saw a future in him; Ashok Gehlot, on the other hand, is an experienced campaigner and proven troubleshooter for the party. The current political crisis in principle is a clash between the old and the new.

After the famous Indira vs Syndicate battle which led to the official split in the party, the battle between the old guard and the young blood has always been an issue for the Congress. Incidentally, Gehlot, who was appointed as the state president of National Student's Union of India (NSUI) by Indira Gandhi herself has always played his cards with tactical prowess.

For a stalwart who has performed reasonably well in the national level, he has faced several factions, who tried to open rebellion against him the state.

Gehlot, a Gandhi loyalist has used his soft-spoken, calculated approach to tide over defections and rebellion. In the latest instalment of Gehlot vs Pilot, the three-time CM made sure he had enough numbers with him to walk in front of Governor to outmanoeuvre any involvement of BJP into this political mess.

Sachin Pilot, who has done pretty well in the state, however, could not convince many MLAs to jump ship as Gehlot's appeal as a mass leader and swift planning ensured a stable government, for the moment at least.

Here we take a look at how the ace politician managed to outwit his opponents in the past.

Gehlot vs Parasram Maderna

Like Pilot now, Gehlot had to battle against a veteran CM contender Parasram Maderna in 1998 to become the CM at the age of 47. It is to be noted that the opportunity came after a long wait of 13 years.

In 1998, Congress had 150 seats and Jat leader Maderna was the CM face. However, the caste equations could not stand in Gehlot's way as he gained the support of party high-command, a move so cleverly taken considering the working of the grand old party.

Although Gehlot has claimed that he had no role in the political future of Jat leadership in the state, the farming community considers him their biggest adversary.

Gehlot vs CP Joshi

In 2008, Gehlot played his card well to outrun another veteran leader CP Joshi. Joshi was the state president at that time but lost the election. Gehlot again stormed to power with the support of high-command. Jat leaders including the then Union minister Sis Ram Ola, former Rajasthan Speaker Maderna and newly elected MLA Sonaram openly raised the demand for a Jat chief minister once again, but to no avail.

Such was the stature of the young Gehlot during that period of time. It remains to be seen whether Gehlot can cast his political magic in the state and lead a stable government but outmanoeuvring his detractors.

Read:Rajasthan crisis: After Pilot sacking, Gehlot cabinet set to discuss rejig