Truth can't be defeated: Sachin Pilot after being sacked
Congress on Tuesday sacked its renowned leader Sachin Pilot from the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan as well as the state Party President, days after the 42-year-old revolted against CM Ashok Gehlot. The party alleged Pilot was "ensnared" by BJP to topple the government. In his first reaction to the news, Pilot tweeted that the truth "can be harassed but not defeated."
Backstory: Sidelined after 2018 polls, Pilot revolted against Congress
To recall, Pilot was eyeing the CM chair after Congress won the 2018 Assembly elections but senior leader Ashok Gehlot was given the top post, sparking tensions between the two. The ties worsened after Pilot was summoned for interrogation into an alleged plot to bring down Gehlot's government. Subsequently, he left Rajasthan with his loyalists, stayed in NCR, and claimed Gehlot has lost the majority.
Congress accepted demands but didn't promise CM post, Pilot fumed
Yesterday, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said senior party members contacted Pilot, with the hope of solving differences amicably. It was reported that former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also reached out to him. Congress apparently agreed to all his demands, including a cabinet reshuffle, but didn't promise the CM post. Obviously, this offer did little to placate Pilot.
Pilot's aides warned Congress of stunning defeat in upcoming polls
Late last evening, Pilot's team sent a clear message to Congress that he has the numbers to bring down Gehlot's government. A clip showed nearly 15 MLAs relaxing at a resort in NCR. In fact, they gave interviews saying that only a change in leadership would save Congress from an embarrassing defeat in upcoming polls. They reminded that Pilot orchestrated Congress' return to power.
No point of return: Congress sacked Pilot
After "putting up" with Pilot's behavior for some days, Congress finally burnt all bridges today by stripping him of all envious posts. "We spoke to Pilot multiple times and told him that all his concerns will be addressed. No other young neta has grown as much as Pilot. We have given him due recognition in the short-term that he was in politics," Surjewala said.
Govind Singh Dotasra named Pilot's successor
Congress not only acted against the 42-year-old but also those close to him. Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena were sacked from the Cabinet, said reports. The party named Govind Singh Dotasra as the Congress state president while Hem Singh Shekhawat became Sewa Dal state president.
Showdown is here: Pilot no longer with Congress
BJP ditched "wait and watch mode," could seek floor test
Meanwhile, BJP, which was till now waiting for Pilot to make the first move, has now decided to seek a trust vote. In the 200-member strong Assembly, the majority mark is 101. Gehlot now has the support of nearly 100 MLAs, just a little short of the magic number. With Pilot sacked, will Rajasthan also go the Madhya Pradesh way? Time will reveal.
