New Delhi: Amid speculation that he may float a new party, Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot Sunday said he would refrain from “political talk”, but reiterated his demand that “corruption must end”, at an annual function in Dausa on his father Rajesh Pilot’s death anniversary.
“There should be no space for corrupt politics in Rajasthan and the country. If the youth is disappointed, the country can never develop,” he said at the rally, adding: “I have raised my voice for the rights of the youth and their future. There was a time I felt alone, but you all supported me.”
Former deputy CM Pilot has been at loggerheads with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot since the Congress formed government in Rajasthan in 2018. In 2020, he led a “revolt” against the Gehlot government, walking out with some MLAs. Though he returned to the party fold, he was removed from his posts of Deputy CM and Rajasthan Congress chief.
Last year, the party high command failed to bring in a change in Rajasthan leadership after the Gehlot camp didn’t allow a legislature party meeting.
Now, despite the Congress projecting a picture of unity in the state, political circles have been abuzz with talk of Pilot leaving the party since his meeting with Gehlot, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, and Rahul Gandhi on 29 May.
After the meeting, Venugopal, facing the press with Gehlot and Pilot, said the two had decided to fight the coming state polls unitedly. However, Pilot refused to drop his three demands from the Gehlot government.
These are: investigations into allegations of corruption against the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government, compensating students who suffered on account of paper leaks, and disbanding (and re-appointing) the Rajasthan Public Service Commission.
In Dausa, Pilot said, “If there is something lacking in our governance then without blaming others we should rectify it. I didn’t put forward my demands to defame someone. Raising your voice is very important in politics.”
“I oppose Vasundhara Raje for 365 days but never use derogatory words against her. I’ve also never insulted CM Ashok Gehlot,” he added.
(Edited by Smriti Sinha)
Also Read: Why Sachin Pilot is fighting a losing battle against Ashok Gehlot