Desert Fox Vs Desert Rats

Sachin Pilot’s open defiance of the Congress leadership and his vitriolic relations with Ashok Gehlot, taken with his declaration that he’s not joining the BJP, points to an intriguing finale

- Puneet Nicholas Yadav

For nearly a week now, the fast spinning political wheel of the ongoing Rajasthan roulette has left everyone guessing varied probabilities to place their bets on. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot insists his government’s majority in the 200-member Rajasthan assembly is intact. Sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and his 18 loyalists believe that their rebellion has reduced the Congress to a minority. The BJP, with its proven prowess at toppling governments, and Pilot’s fleet want a floor test to determine the numbers. In the midst of this power gamble, the media too is calling another set of bets: will Pilot remain in the Congress after declaring open rebellion against his bête noire, or will he—like many other Congressmen before him—switch to the BJP or risk announcing his own political outfit?