Rajasthan: Show of strength on Sachin Pilot's birthday

JAIPUR: Supporters of former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot came out in large numbers to wish him on his 45th birthday. Since he was going to Kanyakumari to take part in Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra beginning on September 7, they decided to celebrate the birthday a day in advance on Tuesday.
Since morning, his Civil Lines residence witnessed large crowds with playcards and posters. Posters and banners also dotted the skyline in and around the civil lines while DJ played music.
On social media, he trended under two hashtags#PilotSangRajasthan and #Sachin Pilot as his supporters posted images and comments throughout the day.
The entire area has been decked up with posters, banners and hoardings of Pilot congratulating him on his birthday.
Party workers and fans of Pilot are also trooping in from distant areas like Bundi, Tonk, Kota, Karouli, Dausa, Bharatpur, etc. to congratulate their leader on his birthday.
The rush of Pilot's supporters and their cars led to a traffic snarls in Civil Lines.
Clad in traditional outfits, people from the state's tribal belt and other regions, including his Assembly constituency Tonk, came with sweets and garlands to greet Pilot. Many of them were seen dancing to the beat of drums.
Pilot met his supporters and exchanged sweets.
Many programmes have been lined up across the state on Tuesday and Wednesday which include blood donation camps and plantation drives among others.
Meanwhile, all eyes were on the leaders will go and greet him as this political gathering is taking place at a time when pro-Pilot leaders and MLAs are raising the demand to make him the chief minister.
About 21 MLAs including ministers were present at his residence. The presence of Giriraj Singh Malinga, one of the six BSP legislators who merged with the Congress, was also present.