Ashok Gehlot has broken his silence on Sachin Pilot's statement during 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' that Vasundhara Raje was the Rajasthan Chief Minister's leader rather than Sonia Gandhi. Gehlot, rejecting Pilot's claim, told ABP Live, that the Gandhi family has played a significant role in his political career, making him a legislator, state party president, and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan on three occasions.
"Who will say [decide], who my leader is? (Koi Kya Kahega Ki Mera Neta Kaun Hai)," Rajasthan Chief Minister said.
Gehlot and Pilot have been at loggerheads for the last few years over a host of issues like power sharing in the government and no action by the chief minister against alleged corruption in the previous BJP government headed by Vasundhara Raje.
Addressing Pilot's allegations of leniency towards Raje in corruption cases, Gehlot clarified, "Let me make it clear that we have resolved the four cases against Vasundhara Raje. Some cases have already received verdicts from the court, and one case falls under the purview of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Therefore, I am not aware of any other case."
Regarding the unity between Pilot and Gehlot for the upcoming elections, the Chief Minister told ABP Live, "During discussions with Kharge ji, Rahul ji, and Venugopal, it was decided that everyone should come together to contest the elections. I am hopeful that both leaders and workers will fight together following the instructions of the high command because the country needs Congress today."
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gehlot remarked, "In Managad, the Prime Minister spoke about constructing a memorial for the martyrs, but in the end, he made no announcement. So, I stated that if the Prime Minister doesn't build it, the state government will."
Gehlot added: "In Rajasthan, neither the BJP nor its leaders are visible anywhere. They organized an 'Akrosh' rally, but people questioned its purpose, saying, 'We are already getting everything here.'"
He highlighted the state government's efforts to ensure that every individual in Rajasthan benefits from the inflation relief camps and claimed that Rajasthan has introduced an unmatched number of schemes compared to any other state in the country.
Gehlot appealed to PM Modi to implement social security laws nationwide, similar to the four guarantees provided by the Congress government in Karnataka.
Regarding the upcoming Rajasthan elections, Gehlot expressed confidence that Congress would secure 156 seats and form the government.
When asked about Rahul Gandhi potentially leading the Opposition, Gehlot stated, "Rahul Gandhi is considered a natural leader because he actively opposes Modi. However, the decision regarding leadership will be made by him as he is in contact with other political parties."
Rajasthan, where the Congress has been in power for the past five years, is scheduled for elections later this year.