‘Cong needs to win these state elections…Cong wins, INDIA wins’

Questions of who will be the chief minister can wait, says Sachin Pilot. If the BJP highlights factionalism in the Ashok Gehlot government, Pilot speaks of a “fatigue” factor in BJP rallies. Edited excerpts from an interview.Is all well in Rajasthan Congress?For three decades, we haven’t been able to repeat a Congress government. It is our collective endeavour this time that we must break the tradition of five years BJP and five years a Congress government. Congress’ election victories in Himachal and Karnataka have given us solid tailwinds. This is not just for Rajasthan but all four states heading to elections. Congress will form the government in all these states. Rajasthan specifically, we are fighting as one strong team — this will bear fruit.You insist it’s one strong team but BJP says factionalism in Rajasthan Congress is out in the open.Disunity and confusion exists in BJP. We are very clear, a resounding mandate for Congress is our top priority. BJP on the other hand has been ineffective and absent on the ground; there is a lot of dissent and confusion in their ranks. Things have changed for BJP. medium104990817What has changed for BJP?Since 2014, BJP has led two majority governments at the Centre. We’ve witnessed inflation, joblessness and price rise. You can see a fatigue factor in their rallies. They were not seen on the ground for the last four-and-a-half years. They have gotten so used to being in power they don’t connect with people and their issues anymore. All the yatras they planned in the state saw no traction on the ground.Congress has seen defection of loyalists ahead of polls. Will that have an impact?BJP is battling reluctant MPs who have been forced to fight state elections. They are facing protests over ticket distribution. We might have some, slight, issues with ticket distribution but people have been chosen after assessing their ground work, feedback and survey reports. Congress has given tickets to the most winnable candidates.As for leaving the party, several prominent BJP names have joined Congress as well. This is nothing new in an election year. But the country’s mood has changed. Ten years of BJP misrule, victories of Congress in North and South India and the people’s support make us well-placed in upcoming state polls. The message from BJP is one of confusion, leaders with personal ambition, too many claimants to various spots and dissatisfaction among its ranks.If Congress wins, what will be your action on caste census?Rahul Gandhi, [Mallikarjun] Kharge and the party unanimously decided to carry out a countrywide census. It is a stand every Congress leader has taken. There is no confusion about the path the party has chosen.Will Congress-run states roll out caste surveys before the 2024 election?We want to as soon as possible. What we have decided nationally will be done by state governments as well. With caste census, government policies, budgets and programmes can be targeted to social and geographic groups that need the most attention. Unless you know the quantum, or situation on ground, every government grant or scheme becomes ad hoc. A scientific way to eliminate the discrepancy is this survey. We can’t be ambiguous when we are trying to address economic and social issues scientifically. medium104990826Ramesh Bidhuri, a Gujjar like you, is BJP in-charge of Tonk, which you represent and will contest from. Does this bother you?We have all heard the language of this gentleman; making him their choice shows BJP’s intent. They have deployed such people in Rajasthan for the atmosphere they want to create. BJP doesn’t realise people on ground see through such attempts.How significant are these state polls for the Congress’ 2024 prospects?Every election is important. These state polls months before general elections are important as they decide the people’s overall mood. Congress needs to win these state elections. If Congress wins, INDIA bloc wins. It’s important for Congress to do well in these elections as it’s important for the alliance.Is all well between CM Gehlot and you?We are working collectively to win. Individuals aren’t important. The last Congress government in Rajasthan was reduced to mere 21 seats from a comfortable majority. It had never happened since Independence. From 21 seats to reach a majority, it took a lot of work by all. Crossing the halfway mark is our collective goal.Are you in the race to be the next CM?Discussion on my being CM is in the realm of speculation. Our first target is to get a majority. It’s tradition for elected MLAs to pass a resolution and let our leadership decide the CM. This tradition has been followed for years and will happen again.