Gehlot Asks Sonia to Discuss Cabinet Shakeup in Rajasthan; Pilot hopes ‘changes will happen soon.
In Rajasthan, a major shakeup is being prepared in the coming days and various modalities are being worked out adopting the “one man, one post” formula while cabinet appointments are being considered, the sources said.
Because of this, Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met with Congress Speaker Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, and it emerged that the two leaders discussed the political situation as well as the impending cabinet shakeup in the state.
Gehlot met with Congress Secretary-General Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with AICC Secretary-General in Charge of Rajasthan Ajay Maken and AICC Secretary General KC Venugopal at the residence of former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday at night and held lengthy discussions on the reorganization of the cabinet in the state.
Later, Gehlot told reporters that the congressional high command will decide on the shakeup and Maken has all the information about it. He said the party wants the good government to continue in the state.
According to sources, Priyanka urged Gehlot to accommodate rival Pilot supporters in his ministry despite their long-standing feud.
Meanwhile, Sachin Pilot, who expects some positive changes in the cabinet shakeup, said: “I spoke with Venugopal yesterday. I hope the changes will happen soon.”
Gehlot said the Center should further reduce the excise tax on gasoline and diesel and that states would follow suit by reducing VAT.
Rajasthan is not among the states that have reduced VAT on gasoline and diesel so far after the Center reduced the excise duty by Rs 10 per liter on gasoline and Rs 5 per liter on diesel.
Targeting the fuel price spiral, Gehlot urged the Center to support the states by further lowering taxes.
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