Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressed reporters in Jaipur, denying rumors that he preferred to remain in his role rather than take on the Congress presidency. He asserted that he would have accepted the position if the party leadership had approached him, citing the historical significance of the role held by prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Gehlot criticized the circumstances surrounding the 2022 Congress presidential elections, suggesting that a conspiracy was at play that led to his defamation and the rebellion among loyalist MLAs. He rejected allegations that he orchestrated this revolt, which disrupted the Congress leadership's plans for a transition in Rajasthan. The crisis saw over 90 MLAs loyal to Gehlot resigning, preventing Sachin Pilot from succeeding him as Chief Minister. This political turmoil ultimately ended Gehlot's chances of becoming Congress president, paving the way for Mallikarjun Kharge to assume the role instead.