New Delhi: Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Sunday launched an attack against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, announcing a day-long fast to seek action from his government over alleged corruption during the BJP rule in the state.
According to sources, the high command has taken a strict stance on Sachin Pilot's action and sent a message that indiscipline will not be tolerated.
This move has once again exposed the power tussle between the Pilot and Gehlot factions within the Congress in Rajasthan, putting pressure on the central leadership to resolve it before the year-end polls.
Speaking on Sachin Pilot, Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda said that if anyone has anything to say, he should approach the in charge. Kheda further stated that a case is going on against Gajendra Shekhawat, a senior BJP leader from Rajasthan, in connection with the Sanjeevani scam. The attempt to topple the elected government by trying to buy our MLA is also being investigated.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Jaipur, Pilot said, "No action was taken (by the Gehlot government) on corruption by the previous Vasundhara Raje government. While in opposition, we had promised that an inquiry would be conducted in the mines scam of Rs 45,000 crore.”
“With six-seven months left for the elections, the opponents can spread an illusion that there is some collusion. Therefore, action will have to be taken soon so that the Congress workers feel that there is no difference between our words and actions,” he said, announcing a hunger strike on Tuesday.
Pilot said he will observe a day-long fast at Shaheed Smarak on April 11 to press for his demand.
Pilot's demand to order a probe and take action on the mining scam during the previous BJP government and other corruption issues was supported by Cabinet minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas.
Khachariyawas was the Jaipur Congress president when Pilot was the PCC chief and used to be at the forefront with him in raising the corruption issue.
He said whatever Pilot has pointed out was right, and action against corruption should be taken.
"Sachin Pilot is an asset for the party and Rahul Gandhi has said this... I would also speak to the chief minister and say that we should take action," Khachariyawas said.
Gehlot and Pilot have been at loggerheads ever since the Congress formed the government in Rajasthan in December 2018 over the post of the chief minister.