In an attempt to quell the swirling rumours around Sachin Pilot’s supposed plans to announce his independent party, the Congress leadership on Friday emphatically dismissed the speculations. The party assured that they will approach the impending Rajasthan Assembly elections unitedly. However, sources from Pilot’s camp indicated stagnation in the progress concerning his demands.
Pilot, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, has raised significant issues that he wishes to see resolved, particularly his demand for the Ashok Gehlot government to take action against the alleged corruption under the previous BJP regime. Those close to Pilot stressed that his stance is based on principle, not power, with top priority given to concerns of corruption and the issue of exam paper leaks.
In addition to these matters, Pilot’s requests encompass the restructuring of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) and ensuring compensation for those affected by the cancellation of government recruitment exams due to the leaks.
In response to the speculations, K C Venugopal, Congress General Secretary (Organisation), refuted any rumours about Pilot’s intentions to float a new party. “In my knowledge, there is no such thing,” he stated, maintaining that he has been in regular contact with Pilot. “Who told you he is going out of the party. These are imaginary… rumours. Don’t believe these rumours. Be optimistic. Don’t worry, we will fight unitedly. The Rajasthan Congress will fight unitedly,” Venugopal added.
There has been speculation that Pilot might reveal his future plans at a tribute event to his late father, Rajesh Pilot, held in Dausa on Sunday. Despite this, the Congress has reiterated its united front. Recent meetings between Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Gehlot and Pilot have reportedly ended in consensus to contest the elections together, leaving the resolution of any issues to the party high command.
Venugopal confirmed the united front, “Both the leaders, Ashok ji and Sachin ji, agreed to the proposal on these things.” In a situation that has seen the Congress leaders engaged in a power struggle since 2018, the party is hoping this consensus will lead to a more united campaign.
In the meantime, there have been significant shifts in the leadership within Congress. Shaktisinh Gohil, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been appointed as the new Gujarat PCC president, relieving him from the charge of AICC in-charge of Haryana and Delhi. This role has been filled by Deepak Babariya.
Gohil’s appointment comes in the wake of Jagdish Thakor’s resignation, following the Congress party’s poor performance in the previous Gujarat assembly elections. Additionally, V Vaithilingam, MP, will take up the position of Puducherry PCC president, replacing A V Subramanian. Varsha Gaikwad, an MLA, has also been appointed as the president of Mumbai RCC (Regional Congress Committee), succeeding Bhai Jagtap.
These leadership transitions indicate an ongoing restructuring within the Congress party, as they appreciate the contributions of the outgoing AICC in-charge Gohil, and the outgoing PCC/RCC presidents Jagdish Thakor, A V Subramanian, and Bhai Jagtap.