Sachin Pilot in Delhi, Wants To Meet Sonia Gandhi Amid Rajasthan Crisis

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot — at the Centre of the huge turmoil in the party’s Rajasthan unit — has arrived in Delhi seeking a meeting with party chief Sonia Gandhi.

More than 90 MLAs in Rajasthan are on warpath to block him from succeeding Ashok Gehlot in the Chief Minister’s post.

Sources said Mr Pilot has sought an appointment with Mrs Gandhi, which is yet to be granted. Sources close to him have said no meeting has been fixed so far.

Mr Gehlot, accused of “humiliating” the Congress, is also likely to visit Delhi and meet Sonia Gandhi.

The public defiance of Mrs Gandhi by his supporters, has put a question mark on his participation in the party’s presidential elections. Today, sources indicated that he might still be in the running.

Two years ago, Mr Pilot had rebelled, camping out in Delhi with 18 supporters who insisted on a bigger role for him in the government. The bitter stand-off was resolved after more than month, following meetings with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

This time, with Rahul Gandhi putting his foot down regarding a double role by Mr Gehlot, there was expectation that Mr Pilot may have his chance at last.