Rebel Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Monday met party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Delhi amid speculations over a possible breakthrough in Rajasthan ahead of crucial assembly session that is scheduled to commence from August 14. Congress sources said the meeting took place a little afternoon at Rahul Gandhi's residence and a "positive outcome" was expected.
Sources also confirmed to PTI that Pilot has been in touch with the top Congress leadership and a formula for his return was being worked out.
The development comes after party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi met Rahul Gandhi at his residence to work out the deal. However, there is still no official word yet while all eyes are on 10 Janpath, the official residence of interim party chief Sonia Gandhi.
Congress sources say that there were no preconditions from both the sides and they hope for a happy ending to the crisis that has threatened its government in the state. Congress sources said that veteran party leader Ahmed Patel had pitched in to resolve the issue that had threatened the survival of the Ashok Gehlot government after the Pilot camp raised the banner of revolt against it.
The Congress had sacked Pilot as Deputy Chief Minister and the state party chief. So far, Gehlot has stayed put as Chief Minister amid claims and counter-claims on attempts to poach MLAs.
On Sunday night, a Congress Legislature Party meeting was held in a Jaisalmer hotel, where MLAs from the Gehlot camp are lodged, and there were mixed views on welcoming back the rebels into the party fold.
While a few MLAs suggested that the rebels should be accepted in view of the "wafer-thin margin" of the Gehlot government in the Assembly, others were not in such a forgiving mood. Meanwhile, the Gehlot camp in Jaisalmer is keeping a wary eye on any development in Delhi vis-a-vis the proposed meeting.
A senior Congress worker confirmed to IANS that a few Ministers from Rajasthan had been intimated about the meeting and the views of party lawmakers had been sought over the move to end the rebellion.
Pilot and 18 other MLAs have rebelled against the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, leading to Pilot's sacking as deputy chief minister and state party chief.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS)
