The internal discord within the Rajasthan Congress has once again come to the fore, with the rift between AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot resurfacing on Wednesday. The tensions escalated following Gehlot's recent remarks about the political turmoil of July 2020 and September 2022, where he alleged that attempts were made to destabilize the previous Congress government through financial incentives. Gehlot claimed that deals worth Rs 35 crore per MLA were brokered, with Rs 10 crore allegedly paid as advances.
Narco Test Challenge
Ramesh Meena, a former minister and a staunch supporter of Pilot, issued a direct challenge to Gehlot on Wednesday, suggesting that both of them undergo a narco test to substantiate the claims. “If such deals were made, let both of us undergo a narco test,” Meena declared. He claimed to have evidence of payments made to MLAs from the BTP, Independents, and the BJP to save the Gehlot government.
Meena also reached out to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, urging him to reassess Gehlot's leadership. “The party made this person the CM three times, and every time the party was defeated. Rahul Gandhi ji should consider this—if such a person is not controlled, the party will be ruined,” he added. Meena was addressing a farmers' conference and the unveiling of a statue of former Union minister Rajesh Pilot in Sakarghata village of Karauli district, a day before his death anniversary.
Pilot's Measured Response
In contrast, Sachin Pilot adopted a more measured tone. “If you look in the eye, you will know whether someone is speaking the truth or lying. I have respected all the leaders who have worked with me; we may have had differences of opinion, but there has never been any bad blood between us,” he said at the same event.
Pilot further stated, “I have no personal dispute with anyone. And all of you know that I speak very carefully. Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. That is why struggle, standing firmly with truth, self-restraint, and contentment are important, and it is essential to show respect. How people around us behave is not in our control.”
The ongoing feud highlights the deep divisions within the Rajasthan Congress, with both factions continuing to trade barbs ahead of upcoming elections.
