Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has reopened the debate over the Congress leadership transition of 2022, asserting that he never declined the party president's post and alleging that a "big conspiracy" tarnished his image. Revisiting the Rajasthan political crisis that unfolded during the Congress presidential election process, Gehlot said a false perception was created that he chose to remain Chief Minister instead of leading the party. His remarks have reignited discussions over factionalism within the Congress, the Gehlot-Pilot rivalry, and the events that eventually paved the way for Mallikarjun Kharge's elevation as Congress president.