New Delhi:
Congress erupted in Rajasthan, the party agreeing that his relationship with one of its best young leaders, Sachin Pilot, was almost over. Come talk to us, said RS Surjewala of the party, although he has announced major punitive measures against the 42-year-old, including his dismissal as deputy chief minister.
Mr. Pilot has been “trapped” by the BJP to work to overthrow the Congressional government in Rajasthan, the party said today, adding that Mr. Pilot had received much recognition and key positions throughout his career in the party.
The government of Ashok Gehlot, Mr. Pilot’s longtime rival, is fragile today – the number of MPs who support Mr. Gehlot has dropped to 100 MPs – two members of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) who were standing in line on the government side of Congress have withdrawn their support. To stay in power, Mr. Gehlot needs 101 MLAS to vote for him.
In a video posted on social media, one of the construction workers claimed that he was held hostage and that his car keys had been taken away.
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan met with Governor Kalraj Mishra shortly after the Congress of Lawmakers met.
The BJP has decided that given the latest developments, it can legitimately request a vote of confidence.
Mr. Pilot was removed from office as President of the Rajasthan Congress Unit; with two ministers supporting him, he was removed from office.
The announcements arrived after Mr. Pilot skipped a meeting of congressional lawmakers for the second day in a row in Jaipur. The party urged him to attend the session as a precursor to long discussions. Pilot, however, did not agree, saying he would not give up his revolt unless he was promoted to chief minister.
Gehlot met with Governor Kalraj Mishra shortly after the congressional legislators’ meeting.
Congress retaliated, stating that despite a close relationship with his first family, the Gandhis, and a flurry of messages urging him to work with the party to find a compromise, Mr. Pilot remains intractable.
