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As Rahul Gandhi arrived in Jaipur for a full-day election campaign in Rajasthan, a significant moment unfolded with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and former Deputy Sachin Pilot jointly receiving him. Addressing speculations about internal party dynamics, Rahul Gandhi stated, “We are not seen together but we are united and will remain united. The Congress will sweep in Rajasthan.”
In a video capturing the event, Gehlot and Pilot flanked Rahul Gandhi, emphasizing unity. The leaders had a ‘pehle aap’ moment, gesturing for Rahul Gandhi to walk first. Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Govind Singh Dotasra was also present.
#WATCH | Rajasthan Elections | CM Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot seen together with Rahul Gandhi, in Jaipur.
Rahul Gandhi says, "We are not only seen together but we are also united. We will be together and Congress will sweep the elections here and win." pic.twitter.com/sWezSuuv0X
— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2023
This display of unity followed Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Wednesday post, sharing a photo of a party meeting attended by Sachin Pilot. The caption, “Together, winning, again,” indicated a reconciliation between the two leaders ahead of the elections.
The Gehlot-Pilot rift dates back to 2020 when Sachin Pilot, then Deputy Chief Minister, rebelled against Gehlot with the support of 18 MLAs. Although Pilot was removed from the deputy post, the strained relationship continued, marked by public disagreements. Despite being called a ‘traitor’ and ‘nikamma’ by Gehlot, Pilot, earlier this year, led an anti-corruption yatra against the Ashok Gehlot government.
Asserting the party’s unity, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal dispelled narratives suggesting disunity. He stated, “All our leaders are standing together and fighting with the common aim of ensuring the BJP’s defeat and returning to power in Rajasthan.” Venugopal expressed confidence in the Congress’s course to return to power in the state.
