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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress leaders unite at Rajesh Pilot memorial event in Rajasthan
Cutting across intra-party divisions, senior Congress leaders from Rajasthan and other States gathered in large numbers at Bhandana in Dausa district on Wednesday to mark the 25th death anniversary of former Union Minister Rajesh Pilot. The commemorative event, titled 'Prerna Diwas' (Inspiration Day), emerged as a significant show of strength for his son, former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot. The ceremony was held at the memorial site in Bhandana, where Mr. Rajesh Pilot lost his life in a road accident in 2000. A five-time MP from Dausa between 1984 and 1999, Mr. Pilot is widely remembered in the region as a champion of farmers' welfare and grassroots development. Congress leaders from Delhi and Rajasthan were in attendance, including nine sitting Members of Parliament, 47 out of the Congress's 66 MLAs in the State Assembly, 83 former Ministers, MPs and MLAs, and 46 functionaries of the party's various frontal organisations. The observance featured an all-religion prayer, a two-minute silence, devotional song renditions, and an exhibition showcasing Mr. Pilot's photographs, personal belongings, and milestones from his career as an Indian Air Force fighter pilot and parliamentarian. Veteran leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot - who has had a strained relationship with Mr. Sachin Pilot since the political crisis of 2020 - was among the most notable attendees. Mr. Pilot had personally visited Mr. Gehlot's residence in Jaipur last week to extend an invitation, signalling a thaw in relations. Speaking to journalists, Mr. Gehlot said, 'We were never far apart… We have always been together and we share a lot of affection. It is you [media] who think that there is distance between us.' He also paid tribute to the late leader, stating, 'He left us too soon and we still remember him. Rajesh Ji and I were together as MPs for 18 years.' Though the organisers sought to maintain a non-political tone, party workers raised slogans for Mr. Sachin Pilot and his late father during the screening of a short film highlighting the latter's personal and political journey. 'Rajesh Pilot's truth, dedication, hard work and his smiling face will continue to inspire us,' Mr. Pilot said. 'He proved that a person could stay untainted even while sitting on high positions.' Among the prominent leaders present were AICC State in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully, Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba, and National Students' Union of India president Varun Choudhary.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tributes paid to Rajesh Pilot in city
Jaipur: Senior state Congress leaders, including former chief minister Ashok Gehlot , PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra, and leader of opposition Tikaram Jully, along with party workers and supporters from across the state, will gather in Dausa Wednesday to mark the 25th death anniversary of former Union minister Rajesh Pilot. A prayer meeting, hosted by his son and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, will be held at 11am at Dausa's sports ground. Pilot's legacy was honoured in Jaipur Tuesday, with the Shaurya Marudhara Foundation observing his death anniversary as "Inspiration Day" at the Pink City Press Club. The event was marked by the presence of retired officers from the Indian Army and Air Force, political figures and social activists. Foundation's president Mahendra Singh Khedi credited Pilot with significant contributions to India's telecommunications revolution and his vision for inclusive progress. "Pilot believed that true national development could only be achieved when children from disadvantaged backgrounds reached decision-making positions," Khedi said. During the Jaipur event, Youth Congress state president and Sangaria MLA Abhimanyu Poonia highlighted Pilot's fearless advocacy for the poor, soldiers and farmers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "He was a leader who not only took bold decisions but also uplifted the youth across sectors. Today, Sachin Pilot is taking forward the same vision with commitment," Poonia said. He added that Rajesh Pilot's life, both in uniform and in public office, remains an enduring source of inspiration. Retired Brigadier BS Nirban echoed the sentiment, calling Rajesh Pilot an exemplary figure both as a soldier and a statesman. "Such leaders are a matter of national pride," Nirban said, while also pointing to the challenges faced by martyr families in accessing basic rights and entitlements. He called for stronger legal protections for war widows and ex-servicemen's families in Rajasthan.
