Former Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot increased his demand for the state government to investigate alleged cases of corruption involving former BJP CM Vasundhara Raje and clarified the reason behind his fast against the government, reported news agency ANI.
"I saw the statement. I was a little surprised as everyone knew why was I holding the protest. I believe that raising questions against corruption during BJP and Vasundhara Raje's rule is not anti-party," said Pilot on notice issued to him by the party over his day-long fast.
Meanwhile, the remarks made by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday were interpreted as a veiled attack on his former deputy Sachin Pilot, who has been questioning the state government's alleged inaction in "corruption" cases. Gehlot said Congress workers and leaders should not do anything that harms the party.
Gehlot said they should work towards ensuring that the Congress government is repeated in the state.
"It is easy to ignite fire, but very difficult to douse it....I talk about 'mehngai raahat' (relief from price rise). Congress leaders and workers should work towards strengthening the party and work towards bringing its government once again in the state and how they can contribute towards it. They should not do anything which harms the party," he told reporters at the airport.
"I feel that if due to some remark one faces some loss, one should not worry about one's personal loss as the party high command would compensate you. But, one should not say or do anything that should harm the party and organisation as no one will be able to compensate for the damage caused," he said in a veiled reference to Pilot's remarks, who recently sat on a fast in order to demand action regarding alleged corruption during the BJP's Vasundhara Rajes' previous government.
Sachin Pilot has reopened his campaign against Rajasthan Congress chief minister Ashok Gehlot, deepening the party's crisis. Sachin Pilot went on a fast against corruption after being denied the position of chief minister despite promises from the Gandhi family, targeting nemesis Ashok Gehlot for his "inaction" on charges against Vasundhara Raje.
Rajasthan Assembly elections will be held in or before December 2023 to elect all 200 members of the state's Legislative Assembly.
Rift In Rajasthan Congress
The rift between Gehlot and Pilot once again came to the fore ahead of the assembly elections in the state scheduled later this year. Pilot announcement to go on a fast against the Gehlot government came after the CM had denied having any differences with Pilot and saying that both the leaders will contest the polls together.
Gehlot said there were "small differences" among leaders in every party and in every state, but he will contest the upcoming elections with Sachin Pilot.