In a recent address at the unveiling of a statue of his father, former Union minister Rajesh Pilot, the dissident Congress leader, Sachin Pilot, expressed his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting the welfare of the public. Reiterating that people’s trust is his “biggest asset”, Pilot vowed not to compromise on his ideals even in challenging times.
For some time, Pilot has been criticising the incumbent Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan, accusing it of inaction on corruption charges that he levied against the previous BJP government under Vasundhara Raje. However, Pilot, himself a former deputy chief minister of the state, underscored that despite his disagreements with the state administration, he has never resorted to derogatory remarks in expressing his dissent.
His passionate address comes amid ongoing speculation about his future political plans, following his dismissal from the posts of Rajasthan Congress chief and deputy chief minister in 2020, due to a revolt he led against Gehlot’s government.
Although Pilot did not disclose any specific plans, he conveyed a strong message of perseverance, asserting, “God gives the biggest justice and if not today, then tomorrow justice will be done.”
Pilot also spoke against the alleged mismanagement of Rajasthan Public Service Commission, advocating for its reconstitution, and demanded compensation for those impacted by government job exam paper leak cases. He chastised Gehlot indirectly for referring to these demands as signs of “mental bankruptcy”, countering that helping the poor and the youth requires a big heart.
Pilot’s comments reflect a clear intention to continue his fight against corruption and uphold public trust. He referred to the previous Raje administration’s alleged involvement in corruption and emphasised that “every mistake demands a punishment”.
He continued, “In the last 20-22 years, since I have been in politics, I have not done any such thing which has led to decrease in trust.”
Remembering his late father, Pilot highlighted that his father’s firmness, ideals, and commitment to public welfare have left an indelible mark on his political journey. Despite the adversity, Pilot concluded his address by vowing to uphold these principles, fight for justice, and never let public trust diminish.
Although there is evident discord within the party, the Congress has expressed confidence in resolving the intra-party strife in Rajasthan. Among those who attended the event were several ministers and MLAs, while some leaders chose to keep their distance. As such, Pilot’s subtle yet impactful address signals a persistent commitment to his political path, hinting at more turbulence in Rajasthan’s political arena.
