Pilot rides cycle in Ajmer to protest rise in fuel price

Ajmer: State Congress president Sachin Pilot on Thursday rode a bicycle for more than two kilometres as a mark of protest against the rising petrol and diesel prices.

Pilot, along with hundreds of Congress members from Ajmer, rode cycle from Rajas to Gandhi Bhavan where he addressed the rally. He lashed out at the BJP, claiming that it had come to power on false promises and now the condition of the common man has only worsened in the last three years.

Pilot also announced hundred kilometres walk in Hadoti from October 3 against the deaths of farmers in Rajasthan. "About 75 farmers died in Rajasthan but neither the chief minister nor her any minister went to see them. They are hanging themselves accusing state government for inflation and no relief in the loan and debts," said Pilot.

He added that on October 6, thousands of farmers from 12 different district will gather in Banswara and compel CM Vasundhara Raje to announce loan wavier for the farmers. "The state government cannot work like lords in democracy. They announced to form committee for farmers but when they give tax exemptions to corporates, the decisions are prompt," added Pilot.

With rumours that Sachin Pilot is himself likely to contest the bypolls from Ajmer, Congress' protest in Ajmer on Thursday was seen as a show of strength. Hundreds of party members turned up to participate in the rally and several had gathered for a glimpse of their former MP, which was seen as an auspicious sign by the Congress. Party's Ajmer rural president Bhupender Singh Rathore said that people from villages had turned up in large numbers to show their support to Pilot.

Talking on the by-elections in Rajasthan, Pilot claimed that on both Ajmer and Alwar seats, Congress will win with great number of votes and will also win Mandal state assembly by-elections, "BJP is unsure of whom to field in Ajmer and therefore several ministers are rushing to Ajmer to get a candidate" added Pilot. Though, it is yet not confirmed in Pilot would be the Congress candidate, he had earlier said he was ready for it if he were given a chance by the party.