No ‘personal animosity’ with Gehlot, have to work unitedly to defeat BJP in Rajasthan: Pilot
Pilot Stresses Congress Unity in Rajasthan
Bharatmorningnews.com – Congress leader Sachin Pilot said there is no personal animosity with Gehlot and urged party leaders in Rajasthan to work together against the BJP. Pilot said internal differences should not distract the Congress from its larger goal of regaining power in the state in the 2028 Assembly election.
Pilot, a Congress general secretary, said the party faces a significant political challenge because the BJP is in power both at the Centre and in Rajasthan. He alleged that the “double engine” government was misusing agencies and police, making unity among Congress leaders essential.
“For the Congress to win in Rajasthan in December 2028, all of us have to work together,” Pilot said. “We are taking on the double engine — government of India and government of Rajasthan.”
He said the contest cannot be reduced to the relationship between two individuals. According to Pilot, every senior Congress leader in Rajasthan will need to coordinate and strengthen the organisation if the party is to return to office.
No Personal Animosity With Gehlot, Pilot Says
Addressing questions about former chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s recent remarks, Pilot said political disagreements do not necessarily represent personal hostility. He described Gehlot as a senior and experienced Congress leader with whom he has worked over many years.
“You may have a difference of opinion on certain issues, it doesn't mean there is personal animosity, and I have never carried personal animosity against anybody,” Pilot said.
Pilot said Gehlot, as an elder in the party, has greater freedom to express his views publicly. He added that leaders should avoid making comments they would not be comfortable hearing themselves.
“He is an elder, so maybe he has more latitude to say things. That is absolutely fine,” Pilot said.
Focus on Victory Before Leadership Positions
On speculation that he had previously been assured the Rajasthan chief minister’s post, Pilot said there are no fixed promises in politics. He said responsibilities are decided by circumstances and by where the party believes a leader can contribute most effectively.
“There are no promises in politics. You are wrong that they promised something. It's all circumstantial. It's all situational,” he said.
Pilot referred to his experience as a member of Parliament, Union minister, Rajasthan deputy chief minister and MLA. He said he has accepted party assignments when needed, including campaign work in Kerala, Assam and Himachal Pradesh.
When asked about becoming chief minister, Pilot said the Congress must first win an electoral majority. Questions about ministerial positions or the chief ministership can only be addressed after a victory, he said.
“Uske baad hoga na, who becomes mantri, CM etc. But, you know, we have to win different states, before the Lok Sabha polls,” Pilot said.
Past Tensions in Rajasthan Congress
Pilot and Gehlot have had a strained political relationship in the past. Tensions became particularly visible during Pilot’s 2020 rebellion against the Gehlot-led Rajasthan government.
Another major flashpoint came in September 2022, when a Congress Legislature Party meeting was scheduled in Jaipur on September 25. The meeting was called to discuss Rajasthan’s leadership if Gehlot became Congress president.
MLAs considered close to Gehlot did not attend the meeting and opposed the prospect of Pilot becoming chief minister. In June, Gehlot said the September 2022 episode was not a revolt against the Congress high command, but reflected objections among legislators about Pilot’s possible elevation.
Despite that history, recent public interactions have suggested a more cordial tone between the two leaders. Pilot’s comments that there is no personal animosity with Gehlot reinforce his call for the Rajasthan Congress to prioritise organisation, unity and its challenge to the BJP.
FAQ: Congress Unity and Rajasthan Politics
What did Sachin Pilot say about Ashok Gehlot?
Pilot said differences of opinion do not mean personal hostility. He said he has never carried personal animosity against Gehlot or anyone else.
Why is Congress unity important in Rajasthan?
Pilot said Congress leaders must work collectively to challenge the BJP, which governs both Rajasthan and the Centre. He believes a united organisation is necessary for the party to compete effectively in the 2028 Assembly election.
Has Pilot been promised the Rajasthan chief minister’s post?
Pilot denied that any firm promise had been made. He said political roles depend on circumstances, while leadership decisions can only be considered after the Congress wins an election.