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Ashok Gehlot loyalist tilts towards Sachin Pilot?

Nagar, after being let off had not managed to find favour or place in the new set up of Congress headed by Sachin Pilot, and had not helped matters when he went on to call Gehlot ‘his God’.

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Babulal Nagar, Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot
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Close on the heels of PCC chief Sachin Pilot expressing possibility of his contesting from Ajmer, staunch Ashok Gehlot loyalist and former minister Babulal Nagar has offered “all possible help” to Pilot. The offer is being seen as a clever move from the seasoned politician Nagar, whose constituency Dudu falls under the Ajmer Lok Sabha. Nagar, a prominent Dalit leader, had lost his ministerial berth when rape charges were slapped on him. He had served jail sentence till the court gave him a clean chit.

Nagar, after being let off had not managed to find favour or place in the new set up of Congress headed by Sachin Pilot, and had not helped matters when he went on to call Gehlot ‘his God’. Incidentally, Nagar had not contested the 2014 polls as he was facing trial.

Speaking to DNA, Nagar said: “Congress is my mother and I will do everything in my power to benefit the party. I welcome Pilot contesting the bypolls and will help him.” He went on to say “Dalits are getting a raw deal under the BJP government. The only party that can give them their due is the Congress.”

A statement indicating tilt of preferences from this Gehlot loyalist may sound baffling, but it is in fact a shrewd political move on Nagar’s part as he has nothing but gains from the situation. Relegated to sidelines, he now has the opportunity to wield his influence in his constituency and score an advantage. He will also be able to stake claims to electoral gains. On specific query about favouring Pilot over Gehlot, Nagar said: “Gehlot Ji has always told us to work towards keeping the party strong. He says individuals are strong only if party is strong.”

As per a senior Congressman who did not wish to be named, “Nagar holds clout in the area. But he has offered to help not for Sachin, but for himself. This would be like a refresher course for him before the assembly elections next year. He will always be a Gehlot loyalist.” His offer to help has put the Pilot camp in a difficult position. Whether they accept or reject the offer, only Nagar stands to gain.

Presently, the Congress does not have a single Schedule Cast MLA in the state assembly. Two reserved seats, including Dudu from where Nagar contests, fall under Ajmer LS and both are currently with BJP.

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