Crisis in the desert: Pilot’s sidelining with 30 MLAs puts Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot’s government in minority

Last updated on February 14th, 2023 at 12:38 pm

The political tussle between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy CM Sachin Pilot has taken a dramatic turn as the leaders of ruling party engage in a leadership tug of war. The political scene in Rajasthan is set for a showdown as Pilot claims that Gehlot’s party doesn’t have majority as 30 MLAs have stepped aside in support of Pilot – posing a threat to the 20 month old Congress led Government in the state of Rajasthan.

Deputy CM said in a statement through his media advisor that over 30 MLAs and independent lawmakers have pledged to support him, thus making Gehlot’s government in minority. Sources reveal that many of these MLAs have moved into a Manesar hotel on outskirts of Delhi and some have shifted in family homes in BJP-ruled Haryana’s Gurgaon city.

“Congress doors are open for Sachin Pilot, can discuss on party forum.”

Congress leaders

The events unfolded when Sachin Pilot was left seething after CM Gehlot reportedly struck the young leader to answer and be a part of police investigations regarding alleged BJP’s horse-trading in an attempt to topple the state government. This has left Pilot simmering and claiming that this asking of him to join the investigation regarding alleged BJP plot is a provocative move from CM to corner him and imply his role in the events.

Sachin Pilot is highly miffed at the notice from Special Operations Group (SOG) Rajasthan he received over the plotting and conspiring of BJP to overturn government in Rajasthan by offering huge sum of money to Congress MLAs to switch the party. SOG has the authority to tap phones and monitor movements, which is being seen as ‘attacking’ by Pilot’s team.

The Congress Legislature Party meeting to be held at CM’s residence on Monday is to be skipped by Sachin Pilot, sources revealed. But Congress leaders say that “Congress doors are open for Sachin Pilot, can discuss on party forum.”

Meanwhile, the CLP meeting has commenced at CM Ashok Gehlot’s residence in Jaipur. Party is claiming that it has a support of 109 MLAs. Currently, 107 MLAs are present at the party meeting.

In the State Assembly with 200 members, Congress has 107 and BJP has 72 MLAs. Ruling party has support of 2 CPI(M), 2 Bhartiya Tribal Party and one Rashtriya Lok Dal MLAs. Three of the 13 independents who were earlier supporting Congress are now allegedly conspiring with BJP against the government.

CM Gehlot said, “The CLP had made a complaint to SOG about poaching attempts made by the BJP leaders. Notices have been issued to CM, Deputy CM, chief whip and some Ministers and MLAs for recording their statements.”

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