Speculations about the former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot’s reduced enthusiasm for the Congress’ bid to win the upcoming assembly election have surfaced. This concern intensified following his recent campaign visit to Madhya Pradesh, leading some analysts to suggest that Congress’ anti-incumbency in Rajasthan requires Pilot’s undivided attention, which seems lacking.
Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi assured The Daily Guardian, “Pilot sahab is a key campaigner for the Congress party. We believe he has extensive plans to campaign in Rajasthan, addressing rallies and public meetings for Congress candidates. He will undoubtedly campaign for the party, having already spoken at events in Shekhawati, Tonk, and Madhavpur. Expect at least 4-5 meetings and road shows post-Diwali with Priyanka Gandhi, Kharge ji, and Rahul Gandhi ji as well.”
There is concern among leaders that if Pilot continues to be less proactive in positioning himself as a youth leader, as expected, a significant portion of young voters may focus on the credibility of local candidates rather than a charismatic leader. This could diminish the party’s chances of securing maximum votes, potentially hindering its efforts to break the “switch state” trend in Rajasthan.
A concerned employee in his thirties commented, “Last time, we voted for Congress hoping they would choose Pilot as Rajasthan’s CM due to his youth and vision for the state. Our disappointment arose when he wasn’t selected. Now, we are undecided about whom to vote for.”
Furthermore, Pilot’s statements are under close scrutiny, suggesting that the relationship between the two rival leaders in the state, Gehlot and Pilot, may become contentious again after the elections. Despite their public reconciliation for now, political pundits believe that both leaders’ actions indicate an underlying “covert one-upmanship.”
On Thursday, Pilot stated, “Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi have asked me to forgive, forget, and move on. Hence, I am looking to the future, focusing on a five-year roadmap for Rajasthan. Together, we will ensure Congress’s victory. Subsequently, MLAs and the leadership will determine roles.” This statement suggests that he remains in contention for the Chief Minister’s post, currently held by his rival Ashok Gehlot.
However, party sources believe that Pilot’s diminished interest in securing tickets for his loyalists indicates a lack of confidence in Congress returning to power, with one leader stating, “It was somewhat clear that he thinks the Congress may not come back to power again. Therefore, he doesn’t want his efforts to be for a lost cause.”