Ashok Gehlot clarifies Sachin Pilot remarks, denies making any allegations
Synopsis
Ashok Gehlot insists he made no allegations against Sachin Pilot — only laid out the facts of 25 September 2022 to counter the narrative that he quit the Congress presidential race to stay CM. Meanwhile, he warmly confirmed Pilot is 'like a son,' a striking contrast to the rivalry that has defined Congress's Rajasthan chapter for years.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Gehlot clarified on 11 June that his recent comments on Sachin Pilot contained no allegations or personal remarks.
Gehlot said he only sought to present the sequence of events around 25 September 2022 to counter the narrative that he declined the Congress presidency to retain the chief ministership.
He stated he is 'ready to answer all questions' if anyone disputes his account.
Sachin Pilot had recently said Gehlot considers him 'like a son'; Gehlot confirmed the remark, citing a long family association.
The clarification comes amid renewed debate over Congress 's internal dynamics in Rajasthan .
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 11 June issued a pointed clarification over his recent comments about Sachin Pilot and the politically charged events of 25 September 2022, asserting that he made no accusations against anyone. The statement comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Indian National Congress (INC) party's internal fault lines, and shortly after Pilot publicly remarked that Gehlot regards him 'like a son.'
What Gehlot Said
'Whatever I said, I said honestly and from the heart. I did not make any accusations against anyone,' Gehlot stated. He explained that his intent was solely to place before the public the sequence of events surrounding 25 September 2022 — a date that has become a flashpoint in Congress's Rajasthan chapter — to counter the narrative that he had declined the Congress presidency purely to retain the Chief Minister's post.
He added that if anyone found factual inaccuracies in his account, the matter could be discussed openly. 'I am ready to answer all questions,' he said.
The Political Context
The events of 25 September 2022 have long cast a shadow over Congress's Rajasthan leadership. A perception had taken hold that Gehlot refused to contest the Congress presidential election in order to hold on to the chief ministership — a characterisation he has consistently rejected. His latest remarks appear aimed at resetting that narrative ahead of what observers note is a fresh round of internal positioning within the party.
Gehlot emphasised that his comments were being interpreted without accounting for the political context in which they were made, and reiterated that he neither made personal remarks nor levelled any charges. 'I only outlined the political developments as I saw them,' he said.
Gehlot on His Bond with Pilot
In a notably warmer register, Gehlot responded to Sachin Pilot's recent statement that the senior leader considers him 'like a son.' Gehlot agreed, saying Pilot was correct. He recalled that Pilot had been visiting his home since childhood and that their families have shared a long association spanning many years — a personal dimension that stands in contrast to the political rivalry the two have publicly displayed.
Why This Matters for Congress
The Gehlot-Pilot dynamic has been one of the most closely watched internal contests within Congress, particularly in Rajasthan. Their relationship deteriorated sharply during the 2020 Rajasthan political crisis and again around the 2022 chief ministerial succession question. Gehlot's clarification, and his affirmation of a personal bond with Pilot, signals an attempt — at least publicly — to de-escalate tensions at a time when Congress is navigating opposition consolidation ahead of future electoral cycles.
Whether the two leaders can translate personal warmth into political alignment remains an open question as the party charts its course in Rajasthan.
Point of View
Yet it does nothing to address the structural ambiguity over who leads Congress in Rajasthan. Congress has repeatedly deferred that question; the longer it does, the more it cedes organisational ground in a state it must win to stay nationally relevant.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ashok Gehlot clarify about his remarks on Sachin Pilot?
Gehlot clarified that he made no allegations or personal accusations against Pilot, and that his comments were only meant to present the facts surrounding the events of 25 September 2022. He said his intent was to counter the narrative that he had declined the Congress presidency solely to retain the Rajasthan Chief Minister's post.
What happened on 25 September 2022 in Rajasthan Congress?
25 September 2022 became a flashpoint in Congress's Rajasthan chapter, linked to questions over the party's chief ministerial succession and Gehlot's decision not to contest the Congress presidential election. The events deepened the rift between Gehlot and Pilot and have since been a recurring reference point in internal party discussions.
What did Sachin Pilot say about Ashok Gehlot recently?
Sachin Pilot recently remarked that Ashok Gehlot considers him 'like a son.' Gehlot confirmed this, saying Pilot was correct and recalling that Pilot had been visiting his home since childhood, with their families sharing a long association.
Why does the Gehlot-Pilot relationship matter for Congress?
The two leaders represent the central fault line in Congress's Rajasthan organisation, a state critical to the party's national revival. Their rivalry peaked during the 2020 Rajasthan political crisis and resurfaced around the 2022 chief ministerial succession. Any public de-escalation is significant for party unity ahead of future elections.
Is Gehlot open to further discussion on his version of events?
Yes. Gehlot explicitly stated he is 'ready to answer all questions' and invited anyone who disputes his account or finds factual inaccuracies to raise the matter directly for open discussion.
