To want something by not wanting it

Three-time Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot knows his political strategy. And, like all good strategists, he knows very well when to make his PoV known to his supporters, bosses, friends and, most importantly, foes without saying it in so many words. Last week, the Congressman from Jodhpur wanted to send out a message that he is keen to stay as top boss in Rajasthan again if the Congress is voted back to power in the coming elections in the state.

Did he utter this ‘wish’ in so many words? Of course not. That would be unsubtle in the subtle world of Indian politics. Instead, he first sent out a conciliatory message to his bete ki umar ka bete noire, Sachin Pilot, underlining the fact (sic) that he is not opposed to the candidature of MLAs supporting him, adding that he has adopted a policy of forgive and forget. After ensuring that he got everyone’s attention, Gehlot delivered the punchline: ‘I want to leave this [CM’s] post, but this post is not leaving me. I think it may never leave me.’ Oh, the ball and chain of power. Then came the knockout punch: ‘There must be some reason that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have faith in me.’ That’s more faith in one line than in George Michael’s song on the subject. With The Names invoked, who will question the Fevicol-kursi theory, huh? Talk about ambush marketing.