New Delhi: In a post-election review meeting, Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, praised the welfare initiatives of the Ashok Gehlot government while pointing out a communication lapse. Disagreeing with Gehlot’s claim of BJP polarizing the elections, Gandhi emphasized that Congress maintained a commendable vote share, falling just 2% behind BJP.
Gandhi acknowledged the state’s groundbreaking welfare schemes but noted the failure in effectively communicating them to voters. He cited a lack of a forceful campaign and bureaucratic dominance within the government. Despite Congress’s best performance in Jaipur in the last two decades, there were discussions on the potential benefits of replacing senior leaders and MLAs facing anti-incumbency.
The review exposed disagreements between Gandhi and Gehlot over retaining sitting MLAs. Of the 23 ministers, 17 lost in the elections, leading to calls for accountability and a possible organizational shake-up. AICC incharge Sukhjinder Randhawa hinted at changes but emphasized that they are made only if the party’s performance declines.