Sachin Pilot silent on new party, Congress leadership spends a day wringing hands
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Jaipur: Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday let down many rumour mongers who thought that the young leader will announce a new party on his father’s death anniversary today.
The 45-year-old leader, who has long been keeping the state Congress on tenterhooks by his frequent protests against Ashok Gehlot, led a memorial service for his father, Rajesh Pilot.
However, Sachin Pilot used the occasion to strengthen his image as a crusader against corruption, and a man of the people.
The mega event to mark the death anniversary of Rajesh Pilot was held in his home turf of Dausa, according to NDTV.
‘I have spoken up for a better future for the youth. People here have always supported me. My voice is not weak, I will not step back. The nation needs politics of truth. I don't want people to play with the future of the youth. My policy is clear, I want clean politics,’ he said.
The day was observed with prayers at the statue of the late Rajesh Pilot and unveiling another statue at a Gujjar hostel.
Many political pundits, according to NDTV, were speculating that the day would turn out to be a ‘new chapter’ in the state politics.
Pilot’s supporters denied the leader launching a new party as the assembly elections are just six months away.
The young leader with substantial support base however maintained silence on a new party, even as the rumours were put about.
Meanwhile, the Congress leadership allayed the tension stating that the party will fight elections united.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said: ‘Our party president, and we surely feel there will be a positive solution to this issue.’
The party’s national leadership also denied rumours of Pilot launching a new party with Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal saying that ‘I don't believe in rumours’.
‘ The reality is that the Congress president and Rahul Gandhi discussed with Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot and after that, we said that we will go together. That is the position of the Congress party,’ news agency PTI quoted him as saying.