Rebel Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot met former party president Rahul Gandhi and senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday afternoon. Sources said that the meeting came amidst indications of a possible breakthrough in the Rajasthan political crisis.
It was reported that the meeting happened shortly after noon at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in the national capital.
News agency PTI quoted sources as saying that a “positive outcome” was expected following the meeting.
Pilot is believed to have been in touch with the top Congress leadership and efforts were underway to work out a formula for his return and end the political crisis in Rajasthan.
Congress sources claimed that some Pilot camp MLAs also met senior party leaders today and may also have a meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
It was also reported that veteran party leader Ahmed Patel had volunteered to resolve the Rajasthan crisis that had threatened the party’s government in the desert state.
The Congress had removed Pilot as Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and state party unit president following rebellion by him and 18 other MLAs against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The CM has managed to save his chair so far and alleged attempts to poach his MLAs by the opposition BJP, in collusion with Pilot.
Reports the Pilot camp legislators, who met senior party leaders today, were asked to tender an unconditional apology.
“A few rebel Rajasthan Congress MLAs have approached the party. Some of them have also met senior leadership and have been told by the party to tender an unconditional apology, following which they are free to meet the top leadership and express grievances,” sources told news agency ANI.