Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announces

 If Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announces that he will not contest for the CM post in Rajasthan, the Congress party will need to strategize on how to retain power in the state. Here are a few possible approaches the party might consider:

1. Consensus Candidate: The Congress party can work towards identifying a consensus candidate for the CM post who can garner support from different factions within the party. This candidate should have a strong track record, be acceptable to various party leaders and MLAs, and have the ability to connect with the masses.

2. Strong Leadership: The Congress party needs to project a strong and capable leader who can inspire confidence among the MLAs and the public. This leader should have a vision for the state's development, be accessible to the people, and be able to effectively communicate the party's agenda.

3. Unity and Coordination: The party must ensure unity among its members and leaders. Internal conflicts and divisions can weaken the party's prospects of retaining power. Efforts should be made to resolve any differences and foster a sense of coordination and teamwork.

4. Connect with the Masses: The Congress party needs to actively engage with the people of Rajasthan and address their concerns. It should focus on delivering good governance, implementing welfare schemes, and addressing key issues affecting the state. A strong connect with the masses will help in gaining their support and retaining power.

5. Effective Campaigning: The party should conduct a well-planned and effective election campaign. This should involve reaching out to voters through rallies, public meetings, and social media campaigns. The messaging should highlight the party's achievements, future plans, and how it intends to address the needs of the people.

6. Coalition Building: If necessary, the Congress party can explore the possibility of forming alliances with like-minded political parties to strengthen its position. Building a coalition can help consolidate support and increase the party's chances of retaining power.

7. Grassroots Mobilization: The party should focus on grassroots mobilization by strengthening its organizational structure at the booth level. This includes active participation of party workers, effective booth management, and coordination with local leaders. Strong ground-level support can significantly contribute to electoral success.

8. Addressing Local Issues: The party should pay attention to local issues and concerns specific to different regions of Rajasthan. Customizing the party's approach and policies to address these issues will help in gaining the trust and support of the local population.

These are some strategies that the Congress party can consider if Ashok Gehlot announces that he will not contest for the CM post. The specific approach taken by the party will depend on the prevailing political dynamics, the aspirations of party members, and the overall electoral landscape in the state.