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Pilot camp MLA calls Gehlot his leader, says everyone must accept his leadership
Bhanwar Lal Sharma’s statement came amid calls from the Pilot camp for fulfilling promises made to the former Rajasthan deputy chief minister, who led the rebellion against CM Gehlot last year
One of the 18 ruling Congress lawmakers, who rebelled against Ashok Gehlot last year, on Tuesday called the Rajasthan chief minister their leader and said even Sachin Pilot has to accept the leadership.
“All MLAs (members of legislative assembly) are my colleagues. I consider Sachin Pilot as leader and Ashok Gehlot is above him. He (Gehlot) is the chief minister, and all have to consider him as the leader. Even Pilot has to consider him as the leader,” said Bhanwar Lal Sharma.
The statement came amid calls from the Pilot camp for fulfilling promises made to the former deputy chief minister, who led the rebellion against Gehlot last year.
Pilot is believed to have been in touch with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who played an important role in resolving the political crisis when he rebelled. There have also been demands for Cabinet expansion and political appointments for Pilot’s loyalists. Pilot last week expressed his displeasure over the lack of action even as a committee was formed last year to address the issues he raised against Gehlot. HT has reported the central leadership of the Congress was trying to work out a cabinet reshuffle in Rajasthan.
Also Read | As Sachin Pilot camps in Delhi, his loyalists continue attack on Gehlot
In July last year, Pilot and his supporters left Jaipur to camp in Haryana’s Manesar, threatening the stability of the Gehlot government. Pilot was removed as the state Congress chief. It was only when the Gandhis intervened and set up a committee under Ajay Maken that he returned to the fold.
Sharma said he went to Manesar as his works were not getting done. “But now promises made are fulfilled. All the demands are fulfilled in this budget.” He said nine cabinet berths are vacant and there are 25 aspirants.
“Who should be taken, whether the MLAs, who came from BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party), Independents or those with Pilot... Gehlot will take this decision...” Sharma referred to the panel formed to resolve issues raised by the Pilot camp and added committees are formed to pacify people. “What is the fate of these committees? Everybody knows this. If justice is not done for a long time, then the matter is put in cold storage. One of the members of the panel has passed away.”
Sharma said Pilot will not defect to the Bharatiya Janata Party. “The resentment issue is being exaggerated...Pilot himself has not said anything to date... This impasse will end soon.” He rejected allegations of phone tapping.
Sharma is the third lawmaker from the Pilot faction, who has supported and praised Gehlot.
Separately, Sandeep Kumar Yadav, who defected from the BSP and joined the Congress in 2019, said the Pilot camp is repeatedly talking about the workers and their share in the government. “But it was because of them that the government was in crisis last year. The government was saved only because we six and other independents were standing by the government.” He accused the Pilot camp of threatening the stability of the government last year. “The Congress high command should not listen to them. Those who saved the government should be rewarded and honoured.”
There was no immediate repose from Pilot or his other loyalists.
