Sachin Pilot played a key role in Congress surge in Himachal Pradesh . Rajiv Shukla said the party adhered to its commitments in Gujarat .
New Delhi: Sachin Pilot, the senior Congress leader, had played a key role in the Congress' massive surge in Himachal Pradesh, and was highly in demand, according to party leader Rajiv Shukla.Mr Pilot was the Congress president in charge of state, where the party ran a low-key campaign.Mr Shukla said the party always adhered to its commitments, including retirement benefits, in Gujarat, where the Congress is facing its worst-ever defeat.He said in an exclusive interview that a day after 30 party office bearers were expelled for anti-government activities.The Congress is now leading 39 out of 68 seats in the state, but its Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has already conceded defeat.
Many attribute Mr Gandhi's inability to run a strong campaign and the absence of Rahul Gandhi, the party's leader in 2017, to his absence.He also declined to participate in the Himalayan cause, according to Mr Shukla.Mr Shukla said he encouraged his sister and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to campaign in Himalaya Pradesh, but that the party's top brass and the new MLAs would make the decision.In order to prevent a potential BJP poaching attempt, the Congress is planning to guard its flank long before the results are officially announced. The majority of Gujarat voters elect their constituencies in Gujarat.