Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot today struck an optimistic note with regard to the long-pending cabinet expansion and political appointments in the party-ruled state, saying he was confident that a decision would soon be taken, even as he stressed that the changes were necessary in view of the 2023 assembly elections.
Pilot, who held a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, described the interaction as a “long, detailed and good discussion” and said he was confident that the right decision would be taken at the right time.
“We discussed the political situation in Rajasthan, and the government in Rajasthan. It is a very positive thing that she is constantly seeking feedback about what has to be done,” he said.
Yesterday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had called on Sonia to discuss the issue of the pending changes in the cabinet and in the organisation.
There are nine vacancies in the cabinet, and three more are expected to arise if the one man-one post rule is applied. There has been a long-standing demand by Pilot's supporters that they should be given a stake in the government and be included in political appointments.
Pilot has been demanding that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot bring about a balance in the ruling dispensation and involve all stakeholders by carrying out a cabinet expansion and making political appointments.
He confirmed that there has been a delay in conducting the exercise. “But if there is a need for a change in the government or the organisation, the AICC, the state government, the chief minister, they will talk and take the right decision at the right time,” he said.
The leader, who wants his supporters to be included in the government and in the organisation, said the changes were necessary in view of the assembly elections that are due less than two years from now.
“Rajasthan has traditionally seen the Congress and the BJP governments alternating every five years. I want this trend to break. And for that, the organisation should work with all its might. That can happen only when party workers get the respect and recognition they deserve. There should be participation of all, and there must be a balance amongst different regions and communities in the dispensation,” he said.
Asked whether he would accept an organisational role that brings him to Delhi, Pilot said, “I have conveyed to the party before also and now as well that whatever the party wants me to do, I will be more than happy to do.”
On the issue of factionalism in the state unit, Pilot said, “There are no factions. We have all won on the symbol of the Congress party. This is not a time for 'us and them'.
“There are some vacancies in the state government. They have to be filled, and some balance has to be brought about. I am sure that the party will take a decision keeping in view experience, credibility, performance, regional balance and caste combination.”
