"No Question" Of Sachin Pilot Leaving Congress, Say Sources Ahead Of Fast

There is "no question" of Sachin Pilot leaving the Congress, sources close to him said today, a day before his one-day fast widely seen as an embarrassment for Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his in-house rival, months before the state election.

The Congress leader's fast against corruption is his latest challenge to Ashok Gehlot, whom he accuses of not acting on allegations against the previous Vasundhara Raje-led BJP government.

"The party will face a perception battle on corruption if cases are not registered against Vasundhara Raje," sources close to Mr Pilot told NDTV.

The sources denied that Mr Pilot was angling for a well-timed exit before the Rajasthan election later this year.

"Pilot has not suddenly discovered the corruption issue - he has been writing to the Chief Minister for 18 months," the sources said.

"There is no question of Sachin Pilot leaving the Congress party," they stressed.

Mr Pilot has requested MLAs supporting him to not join him but his supporters are expected to turn up in large numbers for what could be a turning point in Rajasthan politics.

Sources say the former Deputy Chief Minister is happy to be seen as a lone crusader ranged against both the Chief Minister and Vasundhara Raje.

For now, the Congress has put out a statement that leans more towards Mr Gehlot.

"A probe is underway on how the BJP conspired to topple our elected government in Rajasthan and tried to buy our MLAs," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera.

"It is wrong to say that a probe is not on, as an investigation is being carried out and if anyone has a complaint, he should bring it to the notice of the AICC in-charge," Mr Khera added.

Earlier, the party's Jairam Ramesh had said: "The Congress government in Rajasthan with Ashok Gehlot as Chief Minister has implemented a large number of schemes and taken many new initiatives that have impacted the people profoundly. This has given the state a leadership position in governance in our country."

But with eight months to go for the Rajasthan election, the party may confront tough decisions soon.

"The party high command has to act," said Rashid Alvi.

A birthday party that took place in Delhi two days ago has sparked a Third Front buzz.

The party, held by Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLD) MP Hanuman Beniwal for his son, featured an impressive guest list that included Sachin Pilot, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, both from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Mr Beniwal, responding to speculation, made an open offer to Mr Pilot. "I have already said - if Sachin Pilot breaks away from the Congress then we will have an alliance. The way the Congress has humiliated him repeatedly, he should quit the party," said the MP.

Mr Gehlot has made it clear that there is no easy solution to the ugly, bitter feud.

The Chief Minister has often targeting his younger rival, referring to him as a gaddar (traitor), nikamma (worthless) and the coronavirus.

In 2020, the year Covid erupted worldwide, Mr Pilot launched his first major revolt against the Chief Minister, camping for days near Delhi but backstepping after the Gandhis met with him and assured him a solution.

Three years on, a patch-up is nowhere in sight. Mr Pilot launched a solo campaign for the Rajasthan polls soon after Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in the state. So far, the campaign has only highlighted the feud.

The Gehlot-Pilot feud, which cropped up soon after the Congress's 2018 victory in Rajasthan, has simmered beneath the surface since.

Though Mr Pilot initially agreed to play second fiddle to the veteran, he revolted two years later, demanding a better share in power.

But the rebellion fizzled out as 100-plus MLAs chose to stay with Mr Gehlot. At no point has Mr Pilot been able to produce more than 20 MLAs in his support, making it tougher for the party to pick a side.