Ex-Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot sits on daylong fast demanding action against graft

Former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot started a one-day ‘fast’ on Tuesday at the martyr’s memorial against the alleged corruption in the previous Vasundhara Raje government. Before reaching the Martyr’s Memorial, Pilot paid floral tributes at the social reformer Jyotiba Phule statue near 22 Godam Circle here. Pilot reached 22 Godam Circle from his residence and paid floral tributes to Jyotiba Phule. After this, he left for the martyr’s memorial, where many of his supporters were present. Pilot has announced to sit on a one-day fast, demanding action by the Ashok Gehlot government against the alleged corruption cases related to the previous BJP government led by Vasundhara Raje.

His supporters are also present along with the Pilot. Congress’s high command’s eyes are fixed on this. The Gehlot camp is also keeping an eye on the Pilot’s fast. A few hours before the fast, Congress state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa termed Sachin Pilot’s movement anti-party activity. Sachin Pilot’s day-long fast on Tuesday is against the party’s interests and is an anti-party activity, he said in a statement. If he has any problem with his government, it can be discussed in party forums instead of media and public.

Randhawa said, I have been in charge of AICC for the last five months, and Pilot has yet to discuss this issue with me. I am in touch with him and still appeal for talks as he is an undeniable asset to Congress. The Congress on Sunday came out in support of party veteran and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot after his former deputy Pilot claimed that he did not act on any complaint against BJP leader and former chief minister Vasundhara Raje over corruption allegations. And as a protest, they announced a day-long fast on 11th April.

In a statement, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the Congress government in Rajasthan, with Gehlot as chief minister, has implemented many schemes and taken several new initiatives, deeply impressed the people. He said that the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Rajasthan is an outstanding success made possible by the dedication and determination of the party organization in the state.

Earlier, targeting Gehlot, Pilot said no action was taken on corruption in the Vasundhara government. While in the opposition, we promised an inquiry would be conducted. Since there are 6-7 months left for the election, the question could have been raised if there was an alliance between Gehlot and Raje. Action must be taken soon to prove that it is not so. Congress workers should also realize there is no difference between our words and actions.