'Deserved to become CM': Ashok Gehlot explains why Rahul Gandhi picked him over Sachin Pilot

Jaipur: Months after the bitter lobbying for the Rajasthan chief minister’s post between him and state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, Ashok Gehlot said he became the CM because he deserved it.

Without mentioning Pilot, who is now the deputy chief minister, Gehlot said Rahul Gandhi picked him for the post as villagers wanted only him there.

“It was clear by name who should become the CM and who should not. Respecting the public sentiments, Rahul Gandhi as the Congress president gave me the chance,” he said.

Gehlot and Pilot were in the race for the post after the party won the assembly elections in December last year. After days of intense deliberations in Delhi, the Congress named Gehlot as the chief minister and Pilot as his deputy.

Gehlot said he remembered expectations of people and the kind affection they showed for him.

Prior to these comments, Gehlot said delivering good, transparent and accountable governance was their priority. He asked officials to work with integrity, claiming that the Rajasthan’s bureaucracy, except a few officers, was better than other states.

“There are some officers who look at watch for 5 pm…this is all in my knowledge,” he said, asking officials to perform their duty well.

Gehlot said Gandhi stated during electioneering that our government would work round the clock for people. “We are working in that manner and officers should also work considering themselves as trustees of the public interest,” he said.

Gehlot said improving the law and order situation was their priority, for which he had given a free hand to the state DGP. He asked police not to listen to those who protect rapists or other criminals.

However, he said, that if a public representative took sides or gave suggestions against something wrong, his view should be considered, irrespective of his political affiliation to ensure justice.