Sachin Pilot defends expressing dissent within Congress, cites Party's 2013 poll debacle

Addressing a press conference in Jaipur on Tuesday, ex-Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot opined that airing views within party cant be perceived as a revolt. Pilot's sudden departure to Delhi along with 18 or Congress legislators on July 11 had led to a political crisis in Rajasthan. According to him, addressing genuine governance issues was critical to avoid Congress' 2013 election debacle where party bagged only 21 seats in 200-member Assembly. Maintaining that one should have a problem with constructive suggestions, Pilot contended that Congress can win next polls only on fulfilling demands of people.

Sachin Pilot remarked, "Airing your views within party, addressing issues regarding governance is t a revolt. Wherever our MLAs are, we are all united. We don't want to be in a situation where we were last time when we were reduced to 21 seats. All legislators desire that we should win election after three years. We can win only if we fulfill people's demands. I don't think anyone should have a problem if constructive suggestions are given."

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Watch press conference here: 

'Committed to people of Rajasthan' 

Asserting that legislators in his camp were loyal to Congress party, Tonk MLA clarified that he was t hankering after any post. At same time, he stressed that legislators who expressed ir concerns should t face vendetta politics. Pilot assured that he shall extend all possible cooperation to state government. 

"Truth can be harassed but cant be defeated. truth is that all of us belong to Congress party. We are 100% committed to people of Rajasthan. I have never demanded any post from party. I only told party that MLAs who have raised concerns should t face vendetta politics. Priyanka Vadra said that we are all members of family. While re can be disagreement on ideology and style of functioning, re is place for personal animosity in politics," former Rajasthan Deputy CM opined. 

He added, "Today, I am t in government. But this is my and state's government. I wish that government should do good work and be accountable. I am ready to extend all cooperation."

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On this occasion, Pilot affirmed that he had performed every responsibility given to him with 100% dedication. Commenting on harsh langu used by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, he refused to issue a counter. At same time, he highlighted that it was duty of CM to remove misgivings. He expressed hope that situation would change in future. Pilot camp's reconciliation with Congress took place after ex-Rajasthan Deputy CM met Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday. 

"I have t said this. He has said many things. I do t want to counter m. When I was PCC chief, many people were aggrieved with me as well. As head, you have to take everyone along with you. tradition is that responsibility of resolving disagreement lies with head. I think a lot will change in future,"  Tonk MLA said on Gehlot's use of harsh langu.

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Read: Despite Pilot's Return To Congress Fold, CM Gehlot Unhappy With Some Rebel MLAs: Sources