Congress leader and former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Thursday, 11 June extended a conciliatory hand toward former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saying the veteran leader holds the same affection for him as he does for his own son, Vaibhav Gehlot. The remarks came at the Rajesh Pilot Memorial in Bhandana village, Dausa district, on the 26th death anniversary of the late Union Minister and farmer leader.

Conciliatory Tone at Memorial

Speaking to reporters after an all-faith prayer meeting, Sachin Pilot said, 'Ashok Gehlot ji has as much affection for me as he does for Vaibhav. We are all soldiers of the Congress party.' The statement marks a notable softening in tone between the two leaders, whose rivalry has long been a defining fault line within the Rajasthan Congress.

Pilot offered floral tributes at the memorial, accompanied by his sons, Aran and Vihan Pilot. Several senior Congress leaders, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and party workers attended the event. Thousands gathered from across the state, reflecting Rajesh Pilot's enduring connect with the people of Dausa — more than two decades after his death in a road accident near Bhandana on 11 June 2000.

Sharp Attack on BJP Governments

Following the prayer meeting, Sachin Pilot launched a pointed attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan. He alleged that the future of 22 lakh children had been jeopardised by the NEET examination paper leak and irregularities in multiple recruitment and competitive exams. 'Corruption is rampant, farmers' incomes have declined, and the prices of fuel and cooking gas continue to rise,' he said.

Pilot alleged that corruption cases continue to surface in Rajasthan while the state government remains indifferent, and claimed that internal divisions within the ruling establishment have created confusion over governance. He also alleged a deterioration in law and order under the Bhajanlal Sharma government.

Local Body Elections and Welfare Schemes

On the question of local body elections, Pilot alleged that despite observations from the Supreme Court, the state government was seeking pretexts to delay polls out of fear of public backlash. He further alleged that welfare schemes were being rebranded rather than genuinely strengthened, and questioned remarks suggesting farmers work only a limited number of days each year.

Pilot argued that the BJP, having governed at the Centre for over a decade, could no longer deflect accountability by blaming the legacies of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Manmohan Singh.

Party Unity and Natarajan Controversy

Emphasising organisational cohesion, Pilot said Congress workers and leaders across generations are united behind Rahul Gandhi's vision, and that the Rajasthan Congress would continue to demonstrate organisational strength. He termed the cancellation of Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh a 'conspiracy' and said the party would pursue legal remedies, including approaching the Supreme Court if necessary.

The anniversary event once again underscored Rajesh Pilot's enduring political legacy and served as a platform for Congress leaders to project unity ahead of key political contests in Rajasthan and beyond.