The surprise meeting between Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur marks a potentially important development in Rajasthan Congress politics, hinting at a possible thaw in one of the party’s most high-profile internal rifts.
Though the occasion was personal — an invitation to a memorial for Rajesh Pilot on June 11 in Dausa — the symbolism of this gesture is political. This is their first public interaction in years since their bitter power struggle peaked in 2020, leading to a major crisis for the Congress in Rajasthan.
Key implications and context:
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Personal outreach: Pilot went in person to invite Gehlot, an act seen by many in Congress as a conciliatory move, possibly under the guidance or encouragement of the central leadership.
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Social media optics: Both leaders publicly acknowledged the meeting with respectful posts, including Gehlot recalling his Lok Sabha journey with Rajesh Pilot and Pilot sharing a photo with a straightforward message — a contrast to the barbed language of the past.
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No formal reconciliation yet: While the Congress high command has been trying to mend the Gehlot-Pilot relationship for years, Saturday's meeting does not confirm a political patch-up. However, it sets the stage for possible cooperation ahead of key organisational changes in Rajasthan.
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Strategic timing: With the Rajasthan Assembly elections due in late 2028 and Lok Sabha elections behind them, the Congress is now focused on consolidating its state units. The strained Gehlot-Pilot dynamic has long been seen as a drag on the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects in the state.
The Political Backstory:
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After the 2018 Congress win in Rajasthan, Gehlot was named CM over Pilot despite the latter’s strong contribution to the campaign.
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In 2020, Pilot rebelled with 18 MLAs, alleging marginalisation and lack of recognition.
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Gehlot retaliated with harsh public comments and removed Pilot from key posts.
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Despite intervention from Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, the mistrust has lingered — until now.
What Next?
This meeting could lead to:
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A symbolic joint appearance at the June 11 event, sending a message of unity.
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Renewed efforts by the Congress leadership to formally integrate Pilot into a leadership role — perhaps at the national level or within a restructured Rajasthan unit.
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Possible power-sharing negotiations or reassignments within the state leadership to neutralise factionalism before future elections.
While it's too early to call this a reconciliation, the meeting is certainly a political olive branch — one that many in the Congress will be watching closely as they try to stitch together a more united front in the coming months.
