BHOPAL: Sachin Pilot’s removal from the post of deputy chief minister and from that of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee chief indicate that the Congress has closed its door on him.
It is not yet known whether he will join BJP but the incident in Rajasthan has become a headache for MP Congress Committee.
The Meena and Gurjar communities play an important role many constituencies where by elections will be held.
Pilot is well connected with both the communities. The tug-of-war between Congress and Pilot has sparked off anger among these communities. Their antagonism may benefit BJP in ensuing by-elections.
A large chunk of voters belonging to these communities, live in Morena, Sumawali, Joura, Mehgaon, Gohad and Ambah. The Gurjars are committed to the cause of their community. If the votes of these communities go to BJP, the Congress may suffer a heavy loss in Gwalior-Chambal division.
In 2018 elections, Pilot campaigned for party candidates in these areas. The Congress is left with no Gurjar leader in this area after Aidal Singh Kansana and Raghuraj Singh Kansana have joined BJP.
In the last Vidhan Sabha elections, the Gurjars voted for the Congress en masse. It was not known, which side they will take now.
The areas in Gwalior-Chambal division are close to Rajasthan border. People belonging to this community are close to one another, and the impact of Rajasthan episode may be seen in these areas.
A former minister Rustam Singh said what happened to Pilot was wrong but it is difficult to say what will be its impact on the community. The Congress party is offending youth, so there is resentment among them, he said.
