Congress scrambles to address Sachin Pilot’s hunger strike announcement

As former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot announces a hunger strike on April 11, Congress is now scrambling to mitigate potential damage. Some party members have begun talks with Pilot to persuade him, and it is possible that General Secretary KC Venugopal may intervene in the matter.

However, the party’s central leadership remains focused on the Karnataka elections. AICC Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who hails from Karnataka, faces a litmus test as this is his first major challenge since becoming the Congress National President. To resolve the Rajasthan issue, both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will likely need to step in.

In response to Pilot’s criticism of the Gehlot government, AICC state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated on Sunday that it was “not appropriate” for Pilot to hold a press conference in such a manner. Since taking charge in December last year, Randhawa claims to have held more than 20 meetings with Pilot, during which the latter never raised concerns about corruption.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh praised the Rajasthan Congress government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for implementing various schemes and initiatives that have benefited the people. He highlighted the state’s leading position in governance and the success of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ as a result of the party organization’s dedication and determination.

Pilot’s protest, scheduled for April 11 at the Shaheed Smarak in Jaipur, demands action against alleged corruption during the previous BJP government in the state. He expressed frustration with the Gehlot government’s inaction on the issue, stating that Congress workers should see no difference between their words and actions. Pilot also presented a video of Gehlot accusing the previous BJP government of corruption both inside and outside the assembly.