Sachin Pilot has requested the support of 30 deputies in Rajasthan. (File)
New Delhi:
Sachin Pilot, the deputy chief minister of Rajasthan who calls for the support of 30 deputies, refused to attend a key meeting of congressional deputies convened by the chief minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot today, a huge sign that ‘he could be the next to leave the party after Jyotiraditya Scindia did so in Madhya Pradesh.
Pilot, who is camping in Delhi after organizing his party for another state collapse just three months after losing Madhya Pradesh to the BJP, is likely to meet with BJP leader JP Nadda today, indicated sources.
Meanwhile, Randeep Surjewala, a senior congressional official and spokesperson, reached Jaipur late at night with Ajay Maken and said that the government of Rajasthan, led by the Congress Party, will complete its five-year term and that neither the BJP nor its allies have reason to rejoice.
Here are live updates from the Rajasthan Congress crisis:
A whip was given to congressional leaders to attend today’s meeting
Rajasthan Congress chief Avinash Pande said a whip had been given to all party MPs to attend the Congress Legislative Party meeting this morning. “Strict disciplinary measures will be taken against any Member absent without mention of any personal or special reason.”
“109 MPs signed a letter expressing confidence and support for the government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the leaders of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. A few other MPs had a telephone conversation with the CM and they will also sign a letter support until morning, “he added.
Sachin Pilot says 30 MPs support him and refuses to attend Congress meeting today
A message from the Sachin Pilot office read as follows: “The Vice-CM of Rajasthan and Congressman Sachin Pilot will not be attending the Legislative Congress meeting to be held on Monday. Mr. Pilot said that Ashok Gehlot Govt was in the minority after more than 30 congresses and certain independent deputies pledged to give their support to pilot Sachin. “
Will No Longer Allow Situation in Madhya Pradesh: Congress Leader
Congressional sources said central party leaders were upset with Mr. Gehlot for giving orders to interrogate Mr. Pilot, putting the government at risk in one of the few states in his power. “We are convinced that we will no longer accept a situation in Madhya Pradesh,” said a senior party official.
Congress leaders to meet today
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot held a legislative party meeting at his home last night, after which the party issued a message of solidarity. “Gehlot-ji is a majority. We will bring more BJP deputies than we lose,” said Rajendra Gudda, congressman, quoted by the ANI news agency. Another meeting will take place today.
Gehlot called a meeting of Congress MPs today, which should give a clear indication of the support he and Vice Minister of State Sachin Pilot have in the legislative group.
