Aggressive politics style not heathy for democracy: Sachin Pilot

Rajasthan Congress committee president and deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Tuesday said aggressive style of politics is not good for the democracy.

Speaking at a special convention on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary, Pilot said the time has changed and the situation today is different from that prevailing during Mahatma Gandhi era.

"I believe the kind of India was then in Mahatma Gandhi's era has changed. It is 2019. The sacrifice and struggle they did that time cannot be compared with today. However, the ideology and principles are the same and are to be followed," he said at the convention of the party's state unit here.

"Today, we need to work and bridge the gap between rich and poor. Gandhi gave respect to his opponents and we need to ensure that our words do not hurt anyone. Speeches should contain sarcasm but the aggressive style of politics, which is prevalent today, is not healthy for democracy," Pilot said.

The deputy chief minister said people and their issues should be at the forefront.

"Gandhi kept the country above the party. He did not participate in freedom celebration as riots had happened," he said.

The Congress believes in dialogue, Pilot said, adding the party will soon hold a political convention where political issues, farmers, poor, challenges to be met by the government will be discussed.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Avinash Pande, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Transport Minister Pratap Singh were among other leaders who addressed the convention.