Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that there is no fight or distance between him and Sachin Pilot. He said they were never apart and still share respect and affection for each other.

Gehlot made these comments on 11 June at a memorial event held in Dausa to mark the 25th death anniversary of Rajesh Pilot, father of Sachin Pilot. Many Congress leaders, party workers, and local people attended the event. Sachin Pilot invited Gehlot personally to the program.

Gehlot said with a smile, “When were we ever far apart? We were never distant. Love and respect have always been there and will always remain.” Sachin Pilot and other leaders were standing near Gehlot when he said this.

The event also included a photo exhibition of Rajesh Pilot’s life. Sachin Pilot guided Gehlot through the exhibition. He said his father served the country in the Air Force and later in politics, and his ideals continue to inspire him. Sachin said he hopes the next generation will also learn from Rajesh Pilot’s dedication and service.

Gehlot shared that he and Rajesh Pilot had worked together in Parliament and remembered his efforts for farmers and poor people. He said the large number of people who came to the event shows how much Rajesh Pilot is respected even after 25 years of his passing.

In July 2020, Sachin Pilot revolted against Gehlot’s leadership along with 18 MLAs, which caused a political crisis in Rajasthan. This led to Pilot losing his position as Deputy Chief Minister and state party chief. The matter was later settled by the party leadership.

Since then, there has been tension between the two leaders. Gehlot even used strong words like “traitor” and “useless” for Pilot during that time and accused him of trying to topple the Congress government with the help of the BJP.

In April 2023, Pilot sat on a fast demanding action in corruption cases linked to the earlier BJP government. This showed he was still not fully happy with the Congress leadership in the state under Gehlot.

But now, with the recent warm gesture at the memorial event, it seems there is a sign of improving relations between the two Congress leaders.