Patna, Sep 24 (PTI): Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot on Wednesday said political change in Bihar is “inevitable” and called on the Election Commission to ensure the upcoming assembly elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Patna, Pilot criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over US President Donald Trump’s recent actions, including higher tariffs on India and a hike in one-time H1B visa fees. He alleged that the friendship between the two leaders was proving “very costly” for India.
“For eight years since 2017, Congress and Rahul Gandhi had pointed out that GST was a ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ and highlighted its flaws. When the Manmohan Singh government wanted to bring GST, the BJP had opposed it, only to take a U-turn in power. It took eight years to correct mistakes, and now the BJP is patting itself on the back,” Pilot said, commenting on the government’s recent GST reforms.
He accused the BJP of adopting contradictory stances on economic reforms depending on whether it was in or out of government. Pointing to the strong public response to the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, he said the Congress was confident of change and would contest the elections vigorously with its Mahagathbandhan allies.
On the issue of alleged “vote chori,” Pilot said the EC was asking Rahul Gandhi to submit an affidavit rather than probing the allegations. “When questions are asked of the EC, the answer comes from the BJP,” he remarked, underscoring that the Commission must guarantee fairness in Bihar polls.
Pilot also pressed for a proper caste census, saying it should go beyond adding a column in the exercise and genuinely reflect participation. Asked about the Congress’ reluctance in naming RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the alliance’s CM face, he said such decisions would be taken at the right time.
Earlier, at a separate press briefing, Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel also targeted the Modi government, claiming Trump had “repeatedly insulted India” by imposing 50% tariffs and raising H1B visa fees, yet New Delhi failed to protest. “It is clear that Narendra Modi’s foreign policy has completely failed,” Baghel said.
Top Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Ajay Maken, KC Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar, participated in the CWC deliberations. The Bihar assembly elections are expected in November.
