Pilot plays down Gehlot criticism, calls for Congress unity to take on BJP

Jaipur: AICC general secretary and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot Thursday sought to soften the political edge of former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent remarks against him, saying Gehlot has “always” been affectionate towards him and that the Congress must remain united to strengthen itself and fight the BJP.

Speaking to reporters after offering tributes to his late father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, on the 26th anniversary of his death in Dausa, Pilot refrained from a direct confrontation with Gehlot’s criticisms and framed the issue as secondary to broader national concerns.

“I heard his (Gehlot’s) statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of Congress,” said Pilot.

Asked why he continued to emphasise unity despite repeated remarks against him, Pilot pointed to what he described as urgent public issues. “The country is facing huge challenges: the future of lakhs of children is affected; the NEET paper leak happened, there have been repeated exam paper leaks; corruption is spreading; farmers’ incomes have declined, while fuel and cooking gas prices continue to rise,” he said.

The former deputy CM’s comments came after Gehlot revisited the Sept 2022 Rajasthan political crisis last Sunday, saying it was not a revolt against the Congress high command but reflected MLAs’ opposition to Pilot’s possible elevation as chief minister. Gehlot said MLAs aligned with him were prepared to accept any leader chosen by the high command “except Pilot,” arguing they still resented Pilot’s 2020 rebellion. Gehlot also said Pilot should “accept the truth” and acknowledge his mistakes.

Despite these tensions, Pilot Thursday chose to focus on pressing national issues. He reiterated that Congress members must unite to address these challenges and convey a message of harmony, as espoused by party leader Rahul Gandhi: “We must open a ‘mohabbat ki dukan’ and collectively fight BJP’s misgovernance.”

As the evening progressed, Gehlot welcomed Pilot’s statement and said his earlier remarks were not intended to target any individual. “He (Pilot) said it rightly. What wrong did he say? I had already said this earlier…,” Gehlot said, adding that his earlier comments were made “from the heart” to counter the perception that he declined the Congress president’s post to remain Rajasthan chief minister.

Gehlot too asserted the importance of moving beyond past grievances, appealing for Congressmen to unite against the forces undermining democracy. “A true Congressman will understand my sentiments and react accordingly,” the ex-CM concluded.