As the Congress leadership in Delhi deliberated over the chief minister’s post, groups of people tried to stop traffic at places in Dausa, Ajmer and Karauli districts on Thursday. Sachin Pilot supporters burnt tyres and blocked roads demanding his appointment as the next chief minister.

Pilot and two-time chief minister Ashok Gehlot are vying for the top post in Rajasthan, following the party’s victory in the December 7 assembly polls.

Protesters blocked the Jaipur-Agra highway at Dausa for some time, burning tyres. There was a similar disruption on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway and attempts to block traffic on other roads. In most cases, the protesters were from Pilot’s Gujjar community. In Karauli, about 25 youths burnt tyres on the road.

In Dausa, some people gathered at the Jaipur-Agra highway near Patoli for about 30 minutes before being dispersed, police said. Some people also gathered at the Jaipur-Ajmer highway near Ghooghra in Ajmer and burnt tyres.

Similar demonstrations were held in Karauli’s Hindaun in the evening but the police controlled the situation quickly. Six people climbed atop an overhead water tank in Bandikui in Dausa but were later persuaded to come down.

Gurjars stand for Sachin Pilot

‘We want Sachin Pilot as the next chief minister of Rajasthan. The party high command should declare his name as soon as possible.’ Sugar Singh, state secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Gurjar Mahasabha, said. ‘Our members were peaceful at the demonstrations, which were held in Gurjar-dominated areas in eastern Rajasthan.’ he said.

Meanwhile, Pilot issued an appeal on Twitter for calm. ‘I request all workers to maintain peace and discipline.’ he wrote in Hindi. Sachin Further added, ‘I completely trust the party’s high command.’ he said, adding that he will welcome any decision taken by leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. ‘It is the responsibility of committed workers to maintain the party’s dignity.’ he tweeted.