An open revolt by Congress’ number two leader in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, has led the party’s government in the state into a crisis situation. After a day of uncertainties and hectic meetings, the party packed off at least 100 MLAs to a resort in the evening, a sign that the crisis is far from over.
Mr Pilot, who showed no signs of bowing down and even skipped a meet called by his party, was later sacked Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister.
Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje is expected to attend a crucial meeting of the BJP in Jaipur today, according to sources.
The BJP, which has been keeping a close watch on the disarray in the Congress camp following Sachin Pilot’s rebellion, will decide on its way forward at this meeting, sources said.
"We saw media statements where you (Sachin Pilot) have said that you are not going to BJP. If it is so, leave the hotels of Haryana's Khattar government, stop talking to BJP members," Surjewala said during the press conference."Stop talking via media. Come to the party and keep things before us directly," he added.
We've seen Sachin Pilot's statement that he won't join BJP. I'd like to tell him that if you don't want that, then immediately come out of the security cover of BJP's Haryana govt, stop all conversations with them & come back to your home in Jaipur: Randeep S Surjewala, Congress
Horse trading was being done in Jaipur, we have the proof. We had to keep people at a hotel for 10 days, if we had not done that, the same thing that is happening in Manesar now would have happened back then, says Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said, “Sachin Pilot was made an MP, a central minister, Rajasthan party chief and Deputy CM, what is his age? He is still young, he should have some patience. His actions have been against the party discipline. These youngsters do not have patience.”
May God give Sachin Pilot wisdom and he doesn't try to topple the government. He should admit his mistake. Doors were always open for him for talks, even today. But, now he seems to have moved ahead of all this, so these things don't matter now, says Rajasthan Congress in-charge Avinash Pande.
Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi has issued a notice to rebel Congress MLAs, including Sachin Pilot, seeking their reply by July 17. The notice was issued after the Rajasthan government's chief whip Mahesh Joshi lodged a complaint with the Speaker.
Sachin Pilot will not address the media today, Congress leader was scheduled to hold a press meet on Wednesday morning on his next political move.
Saying that Ashok Gehlot and his loyalists ganged up on him, Sachin Pilot said the CM did not allow him and his followers the dignity and space to work for Rajasthan's development, reports India Today.
If they don't respond within 2 days, then it will be considered that they are withdrawing their membership from CLP: Rajasthan Congress in-charge Avinash Pande.
BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria told News18 -"We are only watching from a distance, this is Congress' internal matter. I spoke to Vasundhara Raje and we will discuss all matters. There was no indication given to us that he (Pilot) will join us, he had issues with his party. We have our numbers with us. if there is a floor test we will look into it, we are not asking for a floor test. Congress needs to prove its number for the sake of democracy."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) key meet, scheduled in Jaipur, stands cancelled. Party leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje will also not be coming to the city today.
Sachin Pilot says a false agenda is being spread about him joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). I have fought and defeated the BJP so why should I join them: Pilot
The former Dep. CM identifies himself as MLA from Tonk Assembly and Former Minister of IT, Telecom and Corporate Affairs.
Congress national general secretary and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pande on Tuesday dissolved the party's state executive and all departments and cells of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC). The development comes after Congress cracked down on Sachin Pilot, stripping the dissident leader of the posts of Rajasthan's deputy chief minister and the party's state unit president, and sacking two loyalists from the state Cabinet.