Sachin Pilot, a senior in the Rajasthan Congress who is at odds with the state’s chief minister Ashok Gehlot, is fasting all day in opposition to the ruling party. The Congress high command has nevertheless made it clear that Pilot’s fast would be against the interests of the party and be viewed as a “anti-party activity,” setting the stage for a conflict.
The former deputy CM said that Ashok Gehlot, a Congress colleague and the current chief minister of Rajasthan, was holding corruption files against the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP administration and declared he would maintain his fast to demand action on these cases. However, the letter of caution from the party’s Central leadership made it plain that Pilot might face punishment for the protest.
“Sachin Pilot’s day-long fast tomorrow is against party interests and is (an) anti-party activity,” AICC in-charge of Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa declared in a shocking late-night statement on Monday. If there is a problem with his own government, it can be brought up in the party forums rather than in front of the public and media. Pilot was unable to respond right away. Gehlot has also stayed silent over the most recent argument with his former constable. The declaration from Monday evening serves as a warning to any supporters of Pilot who might have intended to join the protest.
