‘Father Figure’ Gehlot Called Me ‘Nikamma’ Earlier Too: Pilot Downplays Rajasthan CM’s Rant

Gehlot alleged that Union Minister Shekhawat along with Pilot tried to dislodge his government two years ago.

New Delhi: Attempting to downplay Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent remarks on the 2020 rebellion against the state government, Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Monday said the former had called him “nakara” and “nikamma” earlier too, adding he is a father figure. “Earlier also, CM Ashok Gehlot had said many things about me like ‘Nakara’, ‘Nikamma’. I don't take his statements otherwise as he is experienced, senior and a father figure...Right now my focus is to bring back our government in the state,” news agency Asian News International (ANI) quoted Pilot as saying in Rajasthan’s Tonk city. 

Earlier on Saturday, Gehlot launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat after he was served a court notice by the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in an alleged case of horse-trading.

Gehlot alleged that Union Minister Shekhawat along with Pilot tried to dislodge his government two years ago.

“ACB notice (in alleged 2020 horse-trading case) served to him late...You were the main character in toppling the government and now you say Sachin Pilot made a mistake,” ANI quoted Gehlot as saying.

“You have proven that you conspired with him,” he added.

Pilot also referred to a recent Congress programme in the national capital where party leader Rahul Gandhi had commented about his patience.

“A few days back, at an event in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi had praised my patience level. If a leader like Rahul Gandhi is appreciating my patience level then I think no one should unnecessarily get disturbed by his statement and take it in a right spirit,” he said.

Asserting that his entire focus is on how the government should be formed again in Rajasthan that votes next year, Pilot said if the Congress and the government work together then the party will be able to emerge victorious in the upcoming assembly polls again.

“My only aim is that the workers continue to get respect. How can we forget the people, who did everything for the party in the elections?” news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted the former Rajasthan deputy chief minister as saying.

“I think in the 2023 assembly elections, if we work together then our government will definitely be formed,” added Pilot.