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Rajasthan Political Crisis LATEST Updates: Asked about speculations that the BJP may support the Pilot camp from outside, Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia told PTI that “we have all options open” and a decision would be taken based on how the situation evolves and as per the directions of the central leadership. 20 MLAs didn’t attend the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting held at Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s residence on Monday, ANI reported. Two of the resolutions passed at the recently-concluded CLP meeting were that “This ripping off of democracy by BJP is insult to 8 crore people of Rajasthan, they’ll not accept it. CLP meet expresses its confidence in Congress president Sonia Gandhi and leader Rahul Gandhi, and unanimously supports the government led by Ashok Gehlot.” “This meeting urges that strict disciplinary action be taken against any office bearer or member of Legislative Party who indulges in activities against the Congress government, party or gets involved in any conspiracy.” Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Monday claimed that the Congress government in Rajasthan is stable. ‘The Congress government will complete five years in Rajasthan. However hard the BJP tries, it won’t be able to topple the elected government,’ Surjewala said Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Monday called Sachin Pilot a “sincere Congressmen” and expressed his confidence that the Rajasthan deputy chief minister would not quit the party. Gathering at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Jaipur home in a show of force to prove their majority amid the Rajasthan political crisis, Congress MLAs on Monday flashed the victory sign. BJP’s Uma Bharti said she holds Rahul Gandhi responsible for what’s happening in Rajasthan. He doesn’t allow young leaders in Congress to grow, Uma claimed. She added that Rahul would feel “left behind” if educated and able leaders such as Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot get high posts in the grand old party. Randeep Singh Surjewala appealed to MLAs to let the party lead a stable government in the state. He also said that the Congress leadership has spoken to Sachin Pilot about the prevailing political situation a number of times of the last 48 hours. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Sunday declared open rebellion, claiming that the Ashok Gehlot government is in minority now as over 30 Congress MLAs are supporting him. In a statement, the state Congress chief also said he will not attend the Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduled to be held Monday. Pilot says Ashok Gehlot in minority after over 30 Congress and some independent MLAs have pledged support, the statement on his official WhatsApp group said. His statement surfaced just as ministers and Congress MLAs were gathering at Gehlot’s official residence in the state capital for a meeting, meant to express support to the chief minister amid the power tussle between the two leaders. Soon after Pilot’s announcement, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party remained intact and the government will complete its five-year term. Surjewala and AICC general secretary Avinash Pande were in Jaipur to attend Sunday’s meeting at the CM’s residence and legislature party meeting on Monday as observers. Ajay Maken was also headed there, as the Congress tries to avert the loss of another state after Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Party leaders were a huddle at the CM’s residence till late at night after Pilot’s announcement. Gehlot and other leaders are said to be in touch with allies and independent MLAs supporting the government, hoping to ensure at Monday’s meeting that the Congress government had the numbers to retain power. Pilot had been incommunicado for about two days. The All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of the state, Avinash Pande, said he had been trying to get in touch with the leader. “I have left messages for him,” he told PTI. Pilot’s supporters said he was camping in Delhi and was upset over a notice sent to him by the Rajasthan Police, who claimed to have stumbled on a plot to topple the Congress government. The notice from the Special Operations Group had (SOG) sought time from him to record a statement. The same notice was also sent to Gehlot, Government Chief Whip Mahesh Joshi and some other MLAs, but those close to Pilot insisted that it was meant to humiliate him. Sunday’s meeting at the CM’s official residence was scheduled to take place at 9 pm. Minutes later, Pilot’s statement surfaced. Independent MLAs supporting the Gehlot government had also been invited in what was planned to be a show of strength for Gehlot. Gehlot had alleged Saturday that the opposition BJP was trying to lure Congress MLAs to topple the state government. The BJP dismissed the claim, saying the recent developments only reflected a power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot, simmering since the Congress leadership in Delhi picked the more senior politician for the CM’s post. Congress leader Kapil Sibal had tweeted his concern during the day. “Worried for our party. Will we wake up only after the horses have bolted from our stables?” he asked. Sports Minister Ashok Chandna had even urged MLAs to learn a lesson from what happened in Madhya Pradesh, where Jyotiraditya Scindia switched over to the BJP. “Any person who crosses the party line will not be respected anywhere in the world. This is not the time to lose the respect earned over generations,” Chandna said, without naming anyone. But as the drama unfolded, Scindia himself put out a tweet saying he was sad to see Pilot being sidelined in his party. Hours before the scheduled meeting at the CM’s residence, Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary, Labour Minister Tikaram Jully, Health Minister Raghu Sharma and several other MLAs met Gehlot. “We have faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and we have expressed this to him,” Independent MLA Babulal Nagar told reporters. Sports Minister Ashok Chandna urged party MLAs to take a lesson from the recent developments in Madhya Pradesh, where Jyotiraditiya Scindia switched sides. “Any person who crosses the party line will not be respected anywhere in the world. This is not the time to lose the respect earned over generations,” Chandna said, without naming anyone. In a tweet Sunday, Gehlot stressed that the police notices had gone to several people, including him. He did not name Pilot, but said a section of the media had interpreted the notices wrongly. The notices have been issued to the chief minister, the deputy chief minister, the government chief whip and some other MLAs. It is a part of the process, SOG Additional Director General Ashok Rathore told PTI on Sunday. He said as the investigation proceeds, others could also be issued notices. Apart from the SOG inquiry, the state’s Anti Corruption Bureau has also begun a probe into the alleged bid to bring down the government. The Congress government has distanced itself from the three independent MLAs - Khushveer Singh, Omprakash Hudla and Suresh Tak - who were named in ACB’s preliminary enquiry (PE). Earlier, the government had the support of all 13 independent MLAs, who also voted for the Congress candidates in the Rajya Sabha elections last month. At a press conference Saturday, Gehlot had cited the FIR lodged by the SOG to accuse the BJP of trying to bring down his government and cited the FIR registered by the SOG. The FIR is based on an alleged tapped phone conversation between two men, said to be BJP members, who were later arrested. In the present 200-member assembly, the Congress has 107 members and the BJP 72.
Rajasthan Political Crisis LIVE Updates: All options open, says Rajasthan BJP chief on party supporting Sachin Pilot
Rajasthan Political Crisis LATEST Updates:BJP state president Satish Poonia said that Congress has always ’neglected and sidelined’ young leaders
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Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Bharatiya Tribal Party is supporting us, says Congress
“All I know is that Bharataiya Tribal Party’s MLAs are with us. Both the MLAs are supporting the Congress party. They were present at the legislative party meeting earlier today and they are present here as well,” said Chetan Dudi, Secretary, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee according to News18.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress MLAs to meet at 10 am tomorrow
Congress Rajasthan legislators are scheduled to meet at 10 am on Tuesday, party leader and spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Surjewala says have requested Sachin Pilot to attend CLP meeting tomorrow
Congress leader RS Surjewala on Monday said that the party had requested Sachin Pilot to attend the CLP meeting on Tuesday.
“To discuss political situation another Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet will be held here at 10 am tomorrow. We request Sachin Pilot and all MLAs to come, we’ll also give them in writing. We’ve requested them to come and discuss the situation,” he said.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Rajasthan youth Congress leader slams Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Youth Congress President Mukesh Bhakar was quoted by News18 as saying, “If alive, it is necessary to look alive/ It is necessary to defend your principles. Loyalty in Congress means being slaves to Ashoka Gehlot. That is not acceptable to us.”
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Bharatiya Tribal Party tells MLAs to refrain from voting
The Bharatiya Tribal Party told its two legislators in the Rajasthan Assembly “to refrain from voting in favour of neither the BJP nor Congress during floor test,” News18 reported.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
BJP says Congress govt functioning in ‘chaotic’ manner
Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia said that the state Congress government was functioning in a “chaotic” manner, amid the political tussle in the state.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
BJP says Congress ‘always’ sidelined young leaders
BJP leader Satish Poonia on Monday said that that young leaders have always been “neglected and side-lined” in the Congress. “Sachin Pilot had worked for five years to strengthen the Congress but he was neglected. What is happening in the Congress today is a result of infighting,” the BJP leader said.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress govt should go, says Rajasthan BJP
The Congress government in Rajasthan should go as it has lost the confidence of people, said BJP state president Satish Poonia. “The Congress government has lost people’s confidence. It should go in public interest. The government failed to keep its promises made to people,” Poonia told reporters. Poonia said that young leaders have always been “neglected and side-lined” in the Congress. “Pilot had worked for five years to strengthen the Congress but he was neglected”, Poonia added. What is happening in the Congress today is a result of infighting, the BJP leader said.
Asked about speculations that the BJP may support the Pilot camp from outside, Poonia said that “we have all options open” and a decision would be taken based on how the situation evolve and as per the directions of the central leadership.
PTI
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
In Pictures: Congress MLAs at Jaipur hotel
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Bharatiya Tribal Party asks its MLAs to refrain from voting, says report
According to News18, the Bharatiya Tribal Party has instructed its two MLAs in the Rajasthan Assembly to refrain from voting. It has reportedly told them to vote neither in the favour of the BJP nor Congress if a floor test takes place.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress govt based on contradictions and infighting, says Rajasthan BJP chief
“There were divisions within the Congress; it has become clear that this government had been functioning in a chaotic manner for the last one or two years. The expectations of the people of Rajasthan were not fulfilled and even now the people of Rajasthan do not expect justice. The foundation of government is on contradiction and infighting,” said Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Only 84 MLAs with Gehlot, claims Sachin Pilot supporters
According to India Today, the Sachin Pilot camp has claimed that only 84 MLAs are supporting chief minister Ashok Gehlot while the rest of the party MLAs are with Pilot. According to News18, Pilot’s supporters have said that the cheif minister does not have the numbers he has claimed and challenged Ashok Gehlot to prove his majority in the Assembly or parade the MLAs in front of the Governor.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Ramesh Meena extends support Sachin Pilot
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ramesh Meena declared support to Sachin Pilot, reports ANI. “I am with Sachin Pilot,” the news agency quotes him as saying.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
20 MLAs didn’t attend CLP
20 MLAs didn’t attend the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting held at Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s residence on Monday, ANI reported.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Sachin Pilot isn’t joining BJP, says report
Amid the political tussle in Rajasthan, ANI quoted sources close to Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot as saying that he “is not joining BJP”.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress MLAs arrive at Jaipur’s Hotel Fairmont
MLAs arrive at Hotel Fairmont in Jaipur, after attending Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s residence.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Sachin Pilot denies meeting Rahul Gandhi
Amid reports of a meeting likely between Sachin Pilot and Rahul Gandhi amid the political tussle in the Rajasthan government, Pilot denied any meeting with Rahul, NDTV reported.
“Sachin Pilot was virtually served notice by his boss, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, as Congress MLAs met at his house and recommended “strict disciplinary action” against anyone who “indulges in activities against the Congress government and party, or gets involved in any conspiracy”. Sachin Pilot has openly revolted against Ashok Gehlot and has so far rebuffed any attempts at a rapprochement,” the report said.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Sachin Pilot likely to meet Rahul Gandhi, says report
Rajasthan deput chief minister Sachin Pilot is likely to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday amid the political tussle with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, News18 reported.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Ashok Gehlot must ‘immediately’ call for a floor-test, says BJP
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Resolutions passed at CLP meeting:
Two of the resolutions passed at the recently-concluded CLP meeting were that “This ripping off of democracy by BJP is insult to 8 crore people of Rajasthan, they’ll not accept it. CLP meet expresses its confidence in Congress president Sonia Gandhi and leader Rahul Gandhi, and unanimously supports the government led by Ashok Gehlot.”
“This meeting urges that strict disciplinary action be taken against any office bearer or member of Legislative Party who indulges in activities against the Congress government, party or gets involved in any conspiracy.”
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Rajasthan Congress MLAs leave for hotel after meeting with Gehlot
Rajasthan Congress MLAs boarded buses apparently headed towards a hotel after their meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s official residence. All is well, minister Mamta Bhupesh was quoted by PTI as saying.
Gehlot also boarded one of the buses, the report said. The Congress Legislature Party meeting began at the CM’s house at 1.30 pm, amid a tussle for power between Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot.
The meeting, meant to be a show of strength for Gehlot, ended two hours later. Some weeks ago, ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, the Congress had shifted its MLAs to a resort for about a week to ensure that they were not lured away before the voting.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting has now concluded
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress puts up new banners of Sachin Pilot
Hours after it removed the posters, the state Congress unit put up new posters of Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot outside the party office in Jaipur today, reports Indian Express.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
107 MLAs present at CLP meet
Buses seen outside the residence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur, as the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting is underway with 107 MLAs present at the meet, reports ANI
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
BJP can’t topple the elected govt, says Randeep Surjewala
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala on Mondau claimed that the Congress government in Rajasthan is stable. “The Congress government will complete five years in Rajasthan. However hard the BJP tries, it won’t be able to topple the elected government,” Surjewala said
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Gehlot has full support of 109 MLAs: Ajay Maken
Congress leader Ajay Maken says that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has the support of 109 MLAs, and that the government was stable and in majority. He said a report has been sent to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Pilot sincere, won’t quit Congress: DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar on Monday called Sachin Pilot a “sincere Congressman” and expressed his confidence that the Rajasthan deputy chief minister would not quit the party.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress MLAs meet at Gehlot’s home
Gathering at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Jaipur home in a show of force to prove their majority amid the Rajasthan political crisis, Congress MLAs on Monday flashed the victory sign.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Fully back Pilot: Sanjay Jha
Sanjay Jha, who was recently removed as Congress spokesperson by party chief Sonia Gandhi, on Monday tweeted out his support for Sachin Pilot.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Blame Rahul for Rajasthan crisis: Uma Bharti
BJP’s Uma Bharti said she holds Rahul Gandhi responsible for what’s happening in Rajasthan. He doesn’t allow young leaders in Congress to grow, Uma claimed. She added that Rahul would feel “left behind” if educated and able leaders such as Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot get high posts in the grand old party.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
WATCH: Congress’ doors always open for Pilot, others, says Surjewala
Senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that the Rajasthan government is stable and will complete the full term. “No amount of conspiracy by the BJP will be successful in toppling our government in the state,” he told reporters.
He added that the doors of the Congress party are always open for Sachin Pilot and others to hold discussion to find solutions to problems.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Randeep Surjewala appeals to MLAs to keep government intact
Speaking to reporters after the Congress Legislative Party meet in Jaipur, Randeep Singh Surjewala appealed to MLAs to let the party lead a stable government in the state. “If anyone, be it at any post or profile, has any problem, they must come forward and mention the issue on the party forum. We will work to resolve it together and keep our government intact in the state,” he said.
In contrast to reports of Pilot going incommunicado, Surjewala said that the Congress leadership has spoken to him about the prevailing political situation a number of times of the last 48 hours.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sanjay Jha told News18 that the party should not repeat a “Scindia-like mistake”.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
When will ED arrive, Surjewala asks after I-T raids on Gehlot’s aides
Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala hit out at the BJP after the Income Tax Department conducted raids at premises owned by Rajasthan Congress members and Ashok Gehlot’s close aides. “After all, BJP’s lawyers came on the field. The IT Department started raids in Jaipur. When will ED arrive?” he tweeted in Hindi.
Rajasthan government’s chief whip Mahesh Joshi also codnemned the income tax raids on premises linked to two Congress leaders.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Action taken after FIR unraveling plot to unseat Congress became bone of contention
The Rajasthan Police’s special operations group (SOG) arrested two persons and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a preliminary inquiry against three Independent MLAs for alleged attempts to bribe Congress MLAs before the Rajya Sabha polls. The two persons who have been arrested are Ashok Singh and Bharat Malani, while the three MLAs against whom an inquiry has been initiated are Om Prakash Hudla, Suresh Tak and Khushveer Singh.
In an FIR filed on Friday, two mobile numbers intercepted over suspicion of smuggling illegal weapons were found to have conversations about toppling the state government. The conversations included a mention about taking advantage of the fights between Gehlot and Pilot, by breaking away Congress and Independent MLAs. “The men said they could earn Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000 crore only if the chief minister is as per their wish,” the FIR stated, according to The Wire. The men further said that their “Rs 25 crore plan” failed when the chief minister sent MLAs to a resort ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress appoints Ajay Maken, Randeep Surjewala as central observers
The Congress leadership on Sunday sent two of its senior leaders – Ajay Maken and Randeep Surjewala – as central observers to Jaipur to talk to its legislators and save its government.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Congress Legislative Party meet begins
The Congress Legislative Party meet scheduled to be held at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Jaipur residence at 10.30 am has started. Over 90 MLAs are in attendances, according to ANI.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Sachin Pilot not joining BJP, claim reports
Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot will not join the BJP, reports claimed, after he announced on Sunday that he has 30 MLAs from the state supporting him. His close aide told Hindustan Times that he is not meeting any leaders from the saffron party.
Meanwhile, sources told News18 that Pilot may float his own party, likely to be named Pragatisheel Congress and a formal announcement will be issued after the CLP meeting.
Rajasthan GOVT Political Crisis LATEST Updates
Party workers are respected in Congress: PL Punia
AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh PL Punia said, “Scindia is now in the Bharatiya Janata Party. Everyone knows BJP’s attitude towards Congress party. We don’t need a certificate from BJP. In Congress Party, all leaders and workers are respected.”
I-T raids at premises owned by Gehlot’s aides
Raids being conducted by Income Tax department at business group close to Ashok Gehlot across five locations in Delhi and Jaipur, News18 reported.
ANI reports added that raids are also being in Mumbai and Kota. Man named Rajiv Arora, owner of Amrapali jewels, is close to Gehlot and the raids are being conducted by over 200 I-T sleuths on charges of tax evasion. The company also has showrooms in London.
Raids have also been conducted at the premises of state minister Dharmendra Rathod, Financial Express reported.
Ashok Gehlot-Sachin Pilot rift a long-standing one
After the Congress received a major drubbing in the 2013 Rajasthan Assembly polls, Sachin Pilot took charge of the party’s revival in the state. But tensions began when the chief minister’s post was given to Gehlot. Their relations further soured over portfolio allocation, a party ticket to Vaibhav Gehlot and the deaths of infants at a Kota hospital.
The latest bone of contention is the Rajasthan Police’s notice to Pilot, especially since the home portfolio is held by Gehlot. Sources close to Pilot have said that he deputy CM will not take this lying down. “Gehlot tried to kill two to three birds with one stone. In that, he went a little too far. He cornered the BJP saying you are party breakers…but he put a fishing inquiry too…invoking sedition, he went too far not realising that Pilot will respond. Pilot has reacted more strongly than what Gehlot had anticipated,” a senior high command leader told Indian Express .