Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot adopted a tough posture on Wednesday as Sachin Pilot found himself cornered, with the BJP showing little interest in him. To make things difficult for him, sources say, the number of MLAs supporting him has been depleting by the day.
One can gauge Pilot’s precarious situation from the fact that CM Gehlot came out all guns blazing against him and the BJP as he accused the two of conspiring to topple the “democratically elected” government. Gehlot said Pilot was himself engaged in a “deal” to topple the government and he has all the proof about it. He also accused the Narendra Modi government of being engaged in the entire plot.
“Being fluent in English, giving strong bytes to the media and having a handsome personality don’t mean everything. However, what matters is what stays in your heart for your nation, what is your commitment for your country and what are your ideologies and policies for your party. Sone ki chhuri pet mein khane ki liye nahin hoti (You never use a golden knife to cut your own stomach),”Gehlot said, making a direct attack on Pilot without referring to his name.
“A few of our party members became over ambitious and joined hands with the BJP. In fact, our PCC chief and deputy CM himself was involved in the deal. We have proof, they were talking at 2 am, we were informed that a deal is being done to topple our government. I have proof against the same and have names of the people who refused to take the money,” Gehlot said.
The CM said the younger generation has not struggled the way his generation had. “We are alive even after working hard for over 40 years. However, the newer generation has not struggled a lot. They think we don’t like them, but Sonia Gandhi likes them, Rahul Gandhi likes them and Ashok Gehlot also likes them.”
Gahlot’s stand has made it clear that Pilot has no choice but to surrender. Sources say, Pilot not coming out in the public also reinforces the fact that the BJP is no longer interested in him.
Meanwhile, the Congress has also started tightening the noose by giving notice to the legislators who have been supporting Pilot. Twosided problems have arisen in front of Pilot: one, the difficulty in holding on to the MLAs; and two, his own uncertain political future, with BJP adopting a waitand-watch policy.
The only option left for him, sources say, is to reach out to the Congress high command in Delhi. Despite Gahlot’s tough stand, the Congress has given a message to Pilot to return, with the rider that it should be unconditional.
Sources say that out of the 19 MLAs, 4-5 are already in favour of returning to the Congress fold. The legislators are seen to be in danger of losing their MLA position. There are indications that some MLAs will return to the party fold well before the Friday deadline set by the party. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly has issued a show cause notice regarding anti-party activities and violation of the whip and asked to reply by 17 July.
Top Congress sources say that the Rajasthan government has collected evidences of Pilot’s “Conspiracy” for seven months. All these evidences have been handed over to the high command. Before voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, the high command had asked Pilot to leave the state party president’s post. Sources say he was supposed to leave the post after the Rajya Sabha polls, but he refused. Then Gehlot got into action after getting the high command’s green light. After this, Pilot revolted with his MLAs.
Sources say that the BJP has conveyed to Pilot that he has to join the party without any condition. That leaves him with little leeway. And this explains the Congress’ tough posturing on Wednesday.
(With inputs from agencies)