Rajasthan, July 06 : In a significant gathering of party leaders in Delhi, the Congress is expected to make a major decision regarding Sachin Pilot on Thursday. The meeting, focused on election preparedness in Rajasthan, saw Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot participating virtually from Jaipur.
Sources reveal that Pilot’s status within the party may be elevated following this crucial meeting. The discussions revolve around the specific role that Sachin Pilot will assume within the Congress, especially considering his previous vocal opposition against his own government.
Moreover, Chief Minister Gehlot’s recent announcement of proposing a bill for a life term for those involved in paper leaks is seen as a gesture of acceptance towards Pilot’s demands. Pilot had emphasized the need for strict action in cases related to paper leaks.
The million-dollar question currently under discussion is whether Pilot, who utilized rebellion as a weapon against the government, will continue to play an active role in state politics or transition to become a national leader within the Congress.
With the recent triumph of the Congress in Karnataka, the party leadership’s spirits are high. Consequently, it is believed that the leadership can make a decision regarding Pilot without succumbing to any external pressures. The key points being deliberated include Pilot’s future role within the Congress—whether he will assume the position of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, or be entrusted with other responsibilities.
Rajasthan’s political landscape is largely influenced by four dominant castes, and the dynamics between these castes often determine electoral outcomes every five years. Jats, constituting 9% of the population, hold the greatest strength, followed by Meena at 7%, Rajput at 6%, and Gujjar at 5%.
Most of the state’s MLAs hail from these castes, and their collective influence can sway the success or failure of candidates or political parties in their respective regions. Sachin Pilot himself belongs to the Gujjar community. In 2020, he rebelled against the party leadership but failed to achieve his desired outcome. The Congress emerged victorious in the 2018 Rajasthan elections, and while many expected Pilot to assume the role of Chief Minister, the party appointed Ashok Gehlot to the position, with Pilot becoming the Deputy Chief Minister. Since then, a rift has persisted between the Gehlot and Pilot factions.
