Congress leader Sachin Pilot, accompanied by two ministers and 13 other MLAs, displayed his strong support in a recent gathering, issuing a 15-day ultimatum to his own party’s government in Rajasthan. He emphasized three demands related to corruption, warning that failure to address them would lead to a statewide agitation.
This move by Pilot and his colleagues adds further strain to the state’s Congress party, particularly as Assembly elections are scheduled for December. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was also singled out for criticism during the rally, which marked the conclusion of the five-day Ajmer-Jaipur Jan Sangharsh Yatra with a gathering on the outskirts of the capital city.
Pilot’s demands include the dissolution and reconstitution of the corruption-plagued Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) under new legislation. Additionally, he called for compensation to be provided to the numerous students who have suffered financial losses due to leaked examination papers. Lastly, Pilot called for a high-level investigation into corruption cases that occurred during the previous BJP-led government under Vasundhara Raje.
Sachin Pilot, surrounded by a significant support base comprising two ministers, 15 loyalist MLAs, 13 former ministers and MLAs, five Board Chairpersons, seven state Congress officials, 10 district Congress presidents, and 17 Lok Sabha/MLA candidates, expressed concern about the impact of paper leaks on the 20-25 lakh youths appearing for government examinations in Rajasthan each year. During his recent event, he highlighted his peaceful protest in Jaipur and the Jan Sangharsh Yatra. Pilot issued an ultimatum, stating that if his three demands, aimed at benefiting the youth and combating corruption, were not addressed by the end of the month, he would initiate a statewide agitation.
Following Sachin Pilot’s ultimatum to the Rajasthan government, Mahesh Joshi, a Cabinet Minister loyal to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, expressed surprise and regret over the accusations made against their own government. Joshi emphasized that the government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and cited the actions of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) as evidence of their commitment. In response, Pilot’s supporters warned of an agitation if Gehlot failed to address their demands within 15 days. Cabinet Minister Hemaram Choudhary questioned the identity of the government, stating confusion over whether it was Vasundhara Raje’s or the Congress’ administration. Another minister, Rajendra Gudha, accused the Rajasthan government of surpassing the corruption levels seen in Karnataka, claiming that it had exceeded even a 40% commission charge.
Sachin Pilot made an emotional appeal, pledging to serve the people and youth of Rajasthan until his last breath and expressing his willingness to make any sacrifice necessary. He emphasized that his protests were not directed against any individual but criticized Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for his attacks and stated that he and his supporters were not concerned about personal insults. Pilot also reminded critics of the betrayal he experienced and the humiliation the party faced on September 25, referring to the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that Gehlot loyalists boycotted when there were discussions of making Pilot the Chief Minister. Choudhary challenged Gehlot to remove him from the government if he was corrupt and had accepted money. These comments from the Pilot camp represent a strong and direct criticism of Gehlot since the events of 2020.
MLA Ved Prakash Solanki reflected the growing impatience within the Pilot camp, urging Sachin Pilot to stop testing the loyalty of the gathered workers. He stated that the people were willing to give their all—body, mind, and money—for Pilot’s cause. Solanki also criticized Chief Minister Gehlot, offering to provide the alleged bribe money if Gehlot would make Pilot the Chief Minister.
MLA Bhakar sought to dispel speculations about Pilot leaving the party, emphasizing their commitment to the Congress party, which was established by their ancestors, and declaring that they would not leave.
