Rajasthan politics: Ashok Gehlot-Sachin Pilot row to be resolved

Dausa: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the Congress party is very much united in Rajasthan and the issues between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former deputy CM Sachin Pilot will be "resolved smoothly."

Last month, Gehlot called Pilot a "Gaddar" (traitor) and said Pilot cannot be his replacement. The young Congress responded by saying it was unbecoming of Gehlot's stature to use that kind of language. He added this kind of "mud-slinging" will not help at a time when the party's focus should be on the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

When asked about the issue, Venugopal said that everything is fine and the issues will be resolved. He added that Congress will win the next year's assembly elections. "We will definitely win, our chances are very bright."

He is currently participating in the yatra led by Rahul Gandhi and his presence is said to have calmed the rift between Rajasthan leaders.

Speaking to PTI about the yatra, he said there is tremendous momentum and people have been welcoming the foot march everywhere. "The issues raised by this yatra are not political issues, they are issues concerning the people. The issue of unemployment, the entire youth of the country is disappointed, the price rise is at its peak and the central government is misusing agencies to target people," said the general secretary.

He also criticised BJP's politics calling it divisive and said that it is only useful for winning elections as it has created a big division in the country. He claimed the Bharat Jodo Yatra can unite people at a time like this.

Venugopal said the yatra is not aimed at winning elections but it will definitely have an impact. "This yatra has electrified our entire cadre. Our workers are now charged. We are going for a massive follow-up programme from January 26 onwards from booth level upwards. This will certainly have an impact on the coming elections."