Date:23/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/23/stories/2003012307101200.htm

National

Oust-Gehlot campaign losing steam?

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JAN. 22. The campaign to mount pressure on the Congress high command for a change of leadership in Rajasthan appears to be losing momentum. A gathering of the dissident group over the lunch hosted by the former Chief Minister, S. C. Mathur was a tame affair.

The dissidents' efforts appear to have suffered a further setback with the CWC member, Natwar Singh, distancing himself from their activity. Though he was present at the lunch, Mr. Singh clarified that as a senior leader from the State he had merely honoured an invitation, and heard out the views of the leaders from Rajasthan which he would convey to the party president, Sonia Gandhi. "Since I am a CWC member and an MP from the State people do tell me their views, which I will convey to the party president'' he said.

The "remove Gehlot campaign", which appeared to have subsided about a week ago, was revived a few days ago, forcing the leadership to postpone its moves announce a new PCC chief for the State. The dissidents have been trying to impress upon the party leadership to change both the Chief Minister and the PCC chief. Mr. Gehlot appeared to have weathered the storm, with the leadership apparently deciding against a regime change when elections are barely months away.