Rajasthan: Rebel returns, says Ashok Gehlot is his leader

JAIPUR: In a rapid turn of events that may end Rajasthan’s one-month long political crisis, one of the Congress legislators from among the 19 rebels, led by Sachin Pilot, returned to Jaipur and met chief minister Ashok Gehlot late Monday evening.
After the meeting at the chief minister's residence, seven-term MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma said, “I was and am with the Congress. My leader is Ashok Gehlot.” He added, “The Gehlot-government will run its full term of five years.We will cooperate with the government.”

Sharma said some more MLAs in the Pilot camp would return to Jaipur by late Monday night, while the remaining were likely to reach by Tuesday evening.
On the possible return of Pilot, Sharma said, “He is a big leader; I can’t say about him but the rest should return.” Around the same time, another rebel MLA Vishvendra Singh tweeted on the day’s developments.
Congress party is my family, says Sharma
Around the same time, another rebel MLA Vishvendra Singh tweeted on the day’s developments: “Too much is being said too quickly. Too many assumptions, too many rumours and too many factually incorrect stories. Hold your horses everyone! Watch this space for updates! (sic)”
Sharma and Singh were suspended by the Congress within days after the revolt against Gehlot’s leadership. Singh was sacked as tourism minister. The two leaders were accused of being part of a BJP-led conspiracy to topple the state government.
Sharma, the MLA from Sardarshahar assembly seat in Churu district, on Monday claimed he never revolted against the party but was annoyed over public works not being done in his constituency. Asked to explain the onemonth long drama since July 10, Sharma said it was a “ghar ka mamala (family issue)”.
“Congress is my family and Gehlot is the family head. Like one skips meals and sulks on being annoyed with the family, I went away when my grievances were not addressed. The CM has now assured to get people’s works done in my area, so I have returned,” said Sharma, explaining his flight to Manesar and subsequent return to the party. “I discussed public issues related to health, education and water in my area with the CM today,” said Sharma about the talks held with Gehlot.
Asked about Gehlot’s charge that he had similarly conspired against late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat in 1996, Sharma replied, “He (Shekhawat) too had lied to me.” Sharma claimed he never issued any statement against Gehlot. “If you can show one such statement, I will give you a reward of Rs 5,000,” the senior MLA said.
Sharma was the only legislator in the Pilot camp against whom the special operations group (SOG) had slapped sedition charges, which were ultimately withdrawn last week after the MLA moved the high court with a plea that the probe be handed over either to the CBI or the NIA. The Gehlot-government subsequently transferred the case to the state anti-corruption bureau.
On being asked if he returned because of the police cases slapped on him, Sharma said, “I have never feared such cases. I am a self-proclaimed leader. I have been MLA for 35 years and will win again.”