Ashok Gehlot said, "The crisis is not on account of anything related to performance of the state government. This problem has been created by over-ambition of Shri Sachin Pilot and a small group of MLAs of my party who are playing in the hands of the BJP."
With Rajasthan High Court set to pronounce on Friday its verdict on a petition by Sachin Pilot and 18 rebel Congress MLAs, challenging disqualification proceedings against them, Chief Minister ASHOK GEHLOT tells MANOJ C G what went wrong, and how. Excerpts:
The crisis in Rajasthan has put a question mark on your government. How stable is it?
The crisis is not on account of anything related to performance of the state government. This problem has been created by over-ambition of Shri Sachin Pilot and a small group of MLAs of my party who are playing in the hands of the BJP. The Congress government in Rajasthan has a comfortable majority in the Assembly. We also enjoy support of the people. So the government is fully stable and will complete its full term.
Are you thinking of going for a floor test to prove your majority?
We are not shying away from anything which the democratic processes may require at any point in time. If required, we are ready for a floor test and will win it with a thumping majority.
Why do you think Pilot went against you?
As I have already stated, he is engaged in misadventurism – a result of his undesirable over-ambition. The party and the government in Rajasthan had given him positions which are much more than what one can validly aspire at this early stage of life as compared to his contribution to the party. Moreover, things should have been raised by him within the framework of party discipline and procedures.
Can the Gehlot-Pilot relationship be mended now? If yes, how? If no, what is the implication for the government and Congress politics in the state?
Much would depend on his future course of action and the decision of party high command. I have been active in politics for more than 40 years and seen ground realities of Rajasthan more than anyone else in state Congress. Based on affection and public support, I can say that the Congress will continue to be the party the people will look up to for its track record of commitment to development, pro-poor stance, good governance, etc.
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