Dausa: In a significant display of political reconciliation, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his one-time deputy Sachin Pilot showed signs of burying their past differences at a memorial event on the 25th death anniversary of late Union minister Rajesh Pilot in Dausa on Wednesday.Standing together at an exhibition highlighting Pilot’s late father’s legacy, Gehlot warmly responded to a media query, “When were we ever apart? We were never apart. Love and affection remain and will continue to remain. (Hum door kab the? Hum door the hi nahi. Prem mohabbat bani rahti hai aur bani rahegi)”The statement marked a dramatic shift from the bitter political rivalry that had characterised their relationship, particularly following Pilot’s 2020 rebellion that nearly toppled the Congress govt under Gehlot in Rajasthan.Pilot responded diplomatically, suggesting it was time to move forward: “Raat gayi, baat gayi. Kisne kya bola, kya nahi bola — it’s all in the past. Time won’t come back. We have to look ahead.” He emphasised the need for unity within the party, particularly in facing the challenges posed by the governing party BJP. “These are challenging times. We must come together to defend our (constitutional) institutions and collectively confront BJP,” Pilot urged.The event, held in Bhandana near Dausa, drew an unexpectedly large crowd, with attendees overflowing onto the highway and surrounding areas. Notable Congress members, including AICC in-charge of Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, leader of opposition Tikaram Jully and All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba, were among the attendees.The massive turnout at the event, which was officially a prayer meeting with no speeches, demonstrated Pilot’s political influence in the region. The Jaipur-Dausa highway was decorated with posters and banners, turning the memorial into a show of political strength and grassroots support.The reconciliatory tone was first noticed earlier this month when Pilot personally visited Gehlot’s residence to invite him to the memorial event. This public display of unity comes at a crucial time for the Congress in Rajasthan, following their defeat in the Dec 2023 assembly elections. The apparent thaw in relations signals a potential new chapter in the state’s political landscape.
‘When were we ever apart?’ Gehlot, Pilot walk together | Jaipur News
