Ashok Gehlot is urged by Sonia Gandhi to “lead” the Congress.

Sonia Gandhi met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday and is believed to have urged him to take charge as the Congress prepares to unveil its final election timetable by September 21.

Mr. Gandhi has made it clear to his colleagues that he is not prepared to assume control of the party again and that there are worries about Ms. Gandhi’s health and advanced age; the party may soon have someone other than Mr. or Mrs. Gandhi in charge.

Rahul Gandhi, the previous party leader, is still the “unanimous” pick, according to Mr. Gehlot, who is known to be uneasy about the concept.

“I have emphasized time and time again that Rahul Gandhi Ji’s leadership is necessary for the Congress to recover. Without him, people will be let down, and the party won’t be as strong if guests stay home. After seeing Ms. Gandhi, Mr. Gehlot told reporters at the Delhi airport that Rahul Gandhi must ultimately assume leadership by respecting the feelings voiced by everyone. He was traveling to Ahmedabad.”

He continued, “We will keep up the pressure and persuade him to take over as the party chief.”

Digvijaya Singh, a prominent figure and member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), acknowledged that “none can be pushed” if Mr. Gandhi is “adamant” about not leading the party.

A few hours after the meeting, the Congress revealed that Ms. Gandhi would travel overseas with her kids, Rahul and Priyanka, for a medical checkup and to visit her ailing mother.