Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s former OSD, Lokesh Sharma, has levelled a series of allegations against the senior Congress leader, claiming that Gehlot is the “biggest conspirator” and asserting that allegations related to the 2020 political crisis and the alleged attempt to topple the state government were entirely fabricated.
Speaking to the media in Jaipur, Sharma commented on factional tensions within the Congress, the Manesar episode, and the possible future role of Sachin Pilot, triggering renewed political discussion in Rajasthan.
His remarks have once again brought the long-standing differences between Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot into public focus.
Sharma alleged that Gehlot was the “biggest conspirator” and claimed that accusations linked to the 2020 political crisis and the alleged conspiracy to bring down the government lacked any substantive evidence.
According to Sharma, events that have been the subject of political allegations and counter-allegations for years are more a part of a political narrative than established reality. He further stated that if any conspiracy to topple the government had existed, clear evidence would have emerged through investigative agencies and court proceedings.
The widely discussed Manesar episode in Rajasthan politics resurfaced during Sharma’s remarks. He claimed that the issue is repeatedly being raised in an attempt to influence the political atmosphere.
Sharma said investigative agencies had already indicated that sufficient evidence was not found in the matter. According to him, the repeated references to the issue by some leaders are aimed at deriving political advantage.
The issue has previously been cited as a symbol of factionalism and leadership conflict within the Congress.
Sharma also claimed that the Congress high command is preparing to assign a major responsibility to Sachin Pilot in Rajasthan. According to him, the possibility of such a decision has contributed to discomfort within existing political equations.
He said changing dynamics within the party have increased dissatisfaction and concern among some leaders. However, no official announcement confirming such a move has been made by the Congress.
Sharma questioned Gehlot’s recent political comments and said they reflected “frustration”.
He further stated that a leader’s political position and state of mind can be understood through public conduct. According to Sharma, the language and style of Gehlot’s recent statements suggest that he is feeling political pressure.
Sharma also criticised the Congress party’s internal functioning, alleging that some leaders had operated the party as a personal sphere of influence for a prolonged period.
According to him, that situation is changing and the party is witnessing a shift from older political structures. He further claimed that decision-making within the Congress is no longer as one-sided as it had been in the past.
Questioning allegations related to the 2020 political crisis, Sharma said that if sufficient evidence of a conspiracy to topple the government existed, it would have been made public.
Referring to actions by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Special Operations Group (SOG), he claimed that no concrete evidence of such a conspiracy had been established in court.
According to Sharma, reports of investigating agencies do not provide clarity on several allegations, raising questions about the extent to which political accusations are based on facts or political strategy.
Amid the political dispute, Sharma said statements made by investigating agencies before the court indicated that no organised conspiracy to topple the government had been proven.
Differences between Gehlot and Pilot have repeatedly surfaced in Rajasthan Congress politics over the past several years. Disagreements over organisational decisions, leadership issues and power-sharing arrangements have continued to influence the state’s political landscape.
Sharma’s latest remarks have once again intensified debate over internal factional politics within the party.
No official response has so far been issued by the Congress leadership, Ashok Gehlot or Sachin Pilot regarding Sharma’s statements. Political observers continue to monitor developments as the situation unfolds.
