Rajasthan election: Sachin Pilot responds to Ashok Gehlot rift post PM Modi's mention in Rajasthan politics
Rajasthan election: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's indirect jibe at Rajasthan's Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot during a rally for the upcoming state assembly elections, Sachin Pilot has responded to the ongoing tussle between them.
Earlier this month, Sachin Pilot shared that he was operating in Rajasthan following the advice of "forgive, forget, and move on," advised by Mallikarjun Kharge. Prime Minister Modi, in his recent speech, referenced the political rivalry between Gehlot and Pilot, highlighting the lack of reconciliation despite numerous handshakes. He metaphorically likened their infighting within the Congress to cricketers running each other out instead of scoring runs for the team.
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Responding to questions about the discord, Pilot attempted to downplay the situation, emphasising that it's in the past. He mentioned meetings with Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, stating that the party acknowledged his concerns and advised him to let go and focus on moving forward.
Pilot stressed the need for collaboration, distancing from personal animosity. He expressed the necessity of introspection, particularly on the state's electoral performance over the last three decades.
In an earlier interview, Pilot had echoed a similar sentiment of embracing a mantra of forgiveness and progress, as suggested by Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. When questioned about derogatory remarks by Chief Minister Gehlot, Pilot urged to leave such instances behind, emphasising the need for dignity in political discussions.
Regarding the previous rebellion against Gehlot's government and the subsequent events, Pilot deemed the issues he raised significant for the party and the public. The rift between Gehlot and Pilot escalated in July 2020 when Pilot led 18 MLAs away, causing a political upheaval. This event led to Pilot's removal from party positions. Earlier this year, Gehlot accused Pilot's group of conspiring with the BJP. Last November, Gehlot publicly labeled Pilot a "traitor," sparking astonishment within the Congress.
The ongoing tensions and power struggles between these leaders have consistently shaped Rajasthan's political landscape, marked by allegations and internal upheavals within the Congress party.
- With inputs from agencies
