Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has issued an ultimatum to the high command that Sachin Pilot will not be acceptable as his successor, amid lingering speculation about a change of guard.

In an interview to NDTV on Thursday afternoon, Gehlot repeatedly described Pilot as a “gaddar” (traitor) and declared that the MLAs would not accept him as chief minister, come what may.

Gehlot reiterated that the rebellion led by Pilot that jeopardised his government was sponsored by the BJP and that Union home minister Amit Shah was directly involved in the operation. Pilot dismissed the allegations as “false and unfounded” and requested Gehlot to focus on the Gujarat elections.

Pilot has steadfastly maintained that his rebellion had nothing to do with the BJP and it was an outcome of internal squabbles.

He said Gehlot being a senior leader should understand the need for a collective fight against the BJP instead of making unfounded allegations.

Gehlot’s public pronouncement ruling out the possibility of Pilot being acceptable as chief minister is an unconcealed threat that an attempt by the central leadership to impose him will trigger another revolt.

While Gehlot had dissociated himself from the defiance of the MLAs two months ago, he has finally come upfront to endorse the political resistance to Pilot’s coronation, making the task much more difficult for the high command if indeed it is contemplating a change.

Gehlot said anyone from the MLAs who helped him defeat the BJP “conspiracy” to destabilise his government would be acceptable.

The blunt positioning came hours after a photograph from the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Madhya Pradesh created political ripples in Rajasthan.

The photograph showed Pilot standing between Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, triggering fresh speculation about an imminent change of guard in Rajasthan. Many political observers felt this was a symbolic endorsement of Pilot’s claim to Rajasthan’s seat of power.

A senior Congress leader told The Telegraph from Jaipur: “It is true that the photograph created an impact and triggered political churning. Many MLAs saw this as a subtle message, and a seasoned politician like Gehlot knows political loyalties change fast according to the political climate. He couldn’t have delayed his intervention and allowed perceptions to change. He struck hard before it is too late, sending a clear message to MLAs loyal to him that he is not going to accept Pilot as chief minister.”

The bold declaration will not only help Gehlot keep his flock together, but also send a message to his detractors that replacing him won’t be easy as Pilot doesn’t command the support of the majority of MLAs.

The timing of the controversy is bad for the Congress — while Gehlot is engaged in managing the Gujarat election for the party, the preparations for the Bharat Jodo Yatra are in full swing as the destination after Madhya Pradesh is Rajasthan.

Those involved in the Gujarat elections aren’t happy with the row at this stage as they want Gehlot to give the final push to bolster the party’s prospects in the vital state.

One leader said: “Instead of giving strength to Gehlot, the central leadership is weakening him in the midst of a crucial election.”

Even in the context of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, sources said Gehlot was not happy with the route as it passes through Gurjar-dominated areas where Pilot enjoys considerable political clout.

A Gurjar leader, Vijay Singh Bainsla, has declared that the Bharat Jodo Yatra will be stopped in Rajasthan as the Gehlot government hasn’t acted on the demand for reservation for the community despite an agreement.

Pilot, who is a Gurjar, immediately sensed he would be blamed for this and dissociated himself from the threat, arguing that the Yatra should not be dragged into state politics. Gehlot may have to deal with this threat — he may use this opening to win over Gurjar support by giving reservation to the community.

The Congress knows the conflict has erupted at the wrong time and the party’s communications chief, Jairam Ramesh, promptly issued a statement: “Ashok Gehlot is a senior and experienced political leader. Whatever differences he has expressed with his younger colleague Sachin Pilot will be resolved in a manner that strengthens the Congress party. Right now it is the duty of each and every Congressman to make the already hugely successful Bharat Jodo Yatra even more impactful in the north Indian states.”