India, June 12 -- Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Thursday sought to downplay former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot's recent criticism of him, saying Gehlot has always shown him affection.

He added that all Congress leaders and workers should remain united to strengthen the party and to fight the BJP.

Responding to questions from reporters on Gehlot's remarks in Dausa, Pilot adopted a measured tone and avoided any direct attack on the veteran Congress leader. "I heard his Statement. What I remember is that he said he has for me the same affection and attachment he has for his son, Vaibhav Gehlot. We are all soldiers of the Congress party," Pilot said.

The remarks came days after Gehlot said that the events of September 20...