A day after a purported video of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot likening his bete noire Sachin Pilot to coronavirus went viral on social media, the latter said he has seen “big people falling down” in politics.
“In politics, I have seen big people falling down,” he said while quoting his father late Rajesh Pilot. Speaking to reporters on his way to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival on Friday, the former deputy chief minister said there is a need to listen to each other’s thoughts with dignity.
Without mentioning Gehlot, he said, “There is a need to understand each other’s thoughts. If someone disagrees with an idea, listen to it with dignity.”
“We can also protest, but the speciality of democracy is that even if there is a difference of opinions, we sit down and listen to each other,” he said.
He further said views should be heard and everyone has the right to express their disagreement. “Everyone’s views should be heard, everyone has the right to express disagreement, whatever the disagreement, it should be dealt with an open mind.”
Speaking to the media at a separate event, Pilot said one’s upbringing should be such that he gives respect to others, adding that respect comes back when it is given. Without naming Gehlot, Pilot targeted him for the language the veteran leader had used for him in the past.
“You all know what was spoken about me. I have come among you. I am elder than you, it is my duty to say the right things and evoke good values in you. Your upbringing should be such that you give respect to others. If you give respect, you will get respect,” he said.
The statements came after a video went viral in which Gehlot allegedly said a “big corona” entered the party after the pandemic. The video is of a pre-budget meeting Gehlot had with the representatives of employees’ union on Wednesday.
“I have started meeting…earlier corona came…a big corona also entered our party,” Gehlot said. He said that despite byelections or Rajya Sabha polls, the government has brought excellent schemes with the support of employees.
Following the row over the viral video, the Congress leadership has asked both factions to not indulge in public spats, sources told CNN-News18.
The statement was likely a retaliation to Pilot’s statement on Monday in which he targeted the state government over the issues of paper leaks, sidelining party workers and political appointments to retired bureaucrats.
Gehlot and Pilot have been locked in a power tussle ever since Congress formed the government in December 2018.
Recently, Pilot camp has restarted demands to make him chief minister with leaders loyal to him openly calling for him to be given the top job in the state ahead of the elections later this year.
A major row erupted last month following Gehlot’s comments that Pilot is a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) and cannot replace him. The remarks drew a sharp response from Pilot who had said it was unbecoming of Gehlot’s stature to use that kind of language and that such “mud-slinging” would not help at a time the focus should be on the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra.
(With inputs from PTI)
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