Ashok Gehlot Reopens Debate on 2022 Congress President Poll, Claims ‘Conspiracy’ Behind His Exit

Ashok Gehlot has revived debate over the 2022 Congress presidential election, claiming he would not have refused the party chief's post and alleging a conspiracy behind the events that led to his exit from the race.

Post Published By: Rohit Goyal

Updated : 7 June 2026, 9:13 PM IST

Ex CM Ahok Gehlot

New Delhi: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has reignited debate over the Congress party's 2022 presidential election, saying he would not have declined the party's top post if it had been offered to him by Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership.

His remarks have revived discussions surrounding the leadership transition that culminated in Mallikarjun Kharge becoming Congress president in October 2022.

‘Would I Have Refused the Congress President's Post?’

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Gehlot dismissed the perception that he chose to remain Rajasthan chief minister instead of accepting the Congress presidency.

“I know the stature of the Congress President's post. Mahatma Gandhi has been President, Pandit Nehru, Motilal Nehru, Sardar Patel — who hasn't been? If Sonia Gandhi and the Congress were making me the Congress President, would I have refused?” Gehlot said.

Former CM Alleges ‘Big Conspiracy’

Gehlot also alleged that a false narrative was created around his role during the leadership tussle, leading to reputational damage.

“The situation was so created, I think it was a big conspiracy. The observers arrived suddenly, and I got defamed,” he said.

Remarks Revive Questions Over 2022 Leadership Transition

Gehlot's latest comments are likely to renew focus on the events surrounding the Congress presidential election, which witnessed internal disagreements and political uncertainty before Mallikarjun Kharge emerged as the party chief.

The former chief minister's remarks come at a time when the Congress is seeking to strengthen organisational unity ahead of upcoming political challenges.