Sachin Pilot, whose revolt caused a crisis in Rajasthan, says he is still a part of Congress.
Sachin Pilot, stripped of the top post of the Rajasthan Congress unit after his revolt three weeks ago, today welcomed his successor Govind Dotasra. Mr Pilot, who is now in Delhi, sent out a message to the new Congress chief.The 55-year-old Mr Dotsara -- a former minister of the state -- took charge of the party today amid a deep crisis for the government brought about by Mr Pilot's revolt.
Mr Pilot's Hindi tweet, roughly translated, read: Congratulations to @GovindDotasra Ji on assuming the charge of Chairman of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. I hope that without any pressure or partiality, you will have full respect for those workers whose hard work has helped form the party's government in the state".
Mr Pilot, who says he is still a part of the Congress and his so-called rebellion is only an expression of disagreement, also sent birthday wishes to the assembly Speaker, whom he has taken to court.
"Best wishes to Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi on his birthday. I pray for his health and long life," the Congress rebel tweeted in Hindi.
The Congress has stripped Mr Pilot of his post of Deputy Chief Minister and started disqualification proceedings against him and his supporters, which has been put on hold by the Rajasthan High court.
Mr Pilot -- who has had longstanding differences with his former boss, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot -- argued in court that internal dissent of a party does not call for such punitive action, indicating that the party has been unduly harsh to him.
Sources close to Mr Pilot said that before the 2018 election, he worked with an understanding that he would be made the chief minister with a power sharing arrangement. But the gap with Mr Gehlot went on expanding and the tipping point came when he was summoned for questioning in a case that involved sedition.
Mr Gehlot – currently involved in a tussle with Governor Kalraj Mishra to convene the assembly – has accused Mr Pilot of being involved in the BJP plot to topple his government.