Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018: ‘It is wrong to mix politics with religion’, says Sachin Pilot

What is the aim this time?

Sachin Pilot: We had aimed 4 years 11 months back that even if we lost the elections, we will not wander from our principles. From then till today, we have raised the issues of public interest and worked continuously to revive the Congress, and have been successful. Now, our aim is to build a new system here. BJP has displayed bad leadership and the people should get rid of them. If God would want, we will win elections with a heavy majority on December 7.

How would you compare the manifesto and Gaurav Sankalp patra. You had said that people do not pay attention to the promises mentioned in manifesto. You too made 496 promises in the manifesto this time.

What the public wants from us and what the people expect. We got so many suggestions that were unique. Around 2 lakh people sent their suggestions via SMS, Whatsapp and email. We have thought on these suggestions and included the practical ones in our manifesto. We have said that a committee will be formed after formation of government. The manifesto will be given to Chief Secretary and that will be the government document. An accountability will also be decided.

BJP says that you have copied their election letter, you say they are a government of arrogance and could not do anything.

Speaking publicly in the press conference 9 months ago, the Congress party said that we will get jobs to people. If jobs are not available, then we will get loans at lower rates. Apart from this, we will provide financial support to the youth of poor families and a monthly financial assistance up to Rs3,000. The youth are saying that BJP government has not given enough jobs or any financial help.

You are contesting from Tonk this time while the BJP has given ticket to Yunus Khan. It is Muslim dominated area. Was the candidate changed keeping you in mind?

You should ask this question to the BJP that why did they change their previous candidate. And why is the sitting MLA who is now contesting from Tonk denied ticket from the constituency he represented till now. It is wrong to mix politics with religion and two parties are fighting elections there instead of Hindu or Muslim. The parties are competing with each other for serving the state and the people. I say that whether it is Vasundharaji or Yunus Khanji, I have no problem with any of them personally. But, my perception is based on my principles and politics, and will remain so as my thinking is different.