The resurrection of Sachin Pilot

Sachin Pilot was appointed president of Rajasthan PCC after Vasundhara Raje-led-BJP humiliated Congress in Assembly in December. Not the best time to try and revive the Congress in time for the Lok Sabha elections. Predictably, he failed. He had little role in selecting candidates. Congress suffered its worst ever defeat, losing all 25 seats. Yet, three months later, he has led Congress to victory, winning three assembly seats out of four.

So how did he do it?

1) He didn't give up: Knowing well that he has a long fight ahead till 2018, he has decided to take one step a time. For the by-polls, he succeeded in making the best of caste equations and local issues. After this unexpected victory, he is focusing on local bodies and Panchyati Raj elections. He held 140 rallies for four by-polls.

2) He takes everyone along: Instead of allowing powerful veterans like Ashok Gehlot and CP Joshi to sit out and conspire against his leadership, he persuaded them to participate in the campaign.

3) He knows the media is hungry for news: He rushed to Jhalawar to make a rape and murder a national crime story. Now he is all set to make malnutrition deaths in Sehria tribe in Baran a big issue. Jhalawar and Baran are part of the parliamentary constituency of Dushyant Singh, son of chief minister Vasundhara Raje. He hits where it hurts most.

4) He has a clean image: He steers clear of controversies and keeps away from controversies.