‘Matter of Principles’: Pilot After Meeting Cong Top Leadership
Catch all the updates on the Rajasthan political crisis here.
After meeting with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal in Delhi on Monday, 10 August, Sachin Pilot said that it was always a matter of principles. Pilot met the top party leadership along with the rebel MLAs supporting him.
“Since past some time some MLAs were in Delhi, there were some issues which we wanted to highlight. I did that. I'd been saying since beginning that all these things were based on principle. I always thought these things are essential to be raised in party's interest,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
The meeting comes hours after Pilot met Rahul Gandhi at the latter’s residence, a discussion that the Congress said was ‘frank and conclusive’. Earlier on Monday, Venugopal said that a 3-member panel will address the concerns of Pilot and other rebel MLAs.
- Rajasthan’s Assembly session is scheduled to commence on 14 August. The chief minister is likely to seek a trust vote during the session.
- The BJP has moved several of its MLAs to Gujarat, fearing poaching by the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, IANS reported
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SC to Hear Plea by Rajasthan Speaker Challenging HC Order on 23 July
The Supreme Court on Thursday, 23 July, will hear a plea by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi challenging the Rajasthan High Court decision extending the time for Sachin Pilot and 18 rebel Congress MLAs to reply to the anti-defection notice of 14 July.
A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra and comprising Justices B R Gavai and Krishna Murari will take up the matter through video conferencing. "It is respectfully submitted that the impugned order passed by the High Court is in effect a stay on the powers of the Speaker under the Tenth Schedule to adjudicate on a disqualification petition", said the plea through advocate Sunil Fernandes. The Speaker moved the apex court Wednesday and sought urgent hearing in the matter.
SC Begins Hearing Rajasthan Speaker's Plea
Supreme Court starts hearing an appeal filed by Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi, against the Rajasthan High Court order to defer anti-defection proceedings against former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and 18 breakaway Congress MLAs till 24 July.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the Speaker tells the court, “Rajasthan High Court cannot direct Speaker to defer disqualification proceedings against MLAs.”
SC Asks Reason For Seeking Disqualification of MLAs, Sibal Replies
SC asked Kapil Sibal, Rajasthan Speaker's counsel, "On what grounds disqualification was sought?" Sibal tells court, "MLAs didn't attend party meet, they're indulging in anti-party activities. They're in a Haryana hotel, incommunicado & sought floor test against their own party".
Voices of Dissent Cannot be Suppressed in a Democracy: SC on Rajasthan Speaker's Plea
Justice Arun Mishra asks Sibal, "Can a person elected by people not express his dissent?"
"Voice of dissent cannot be suppressed. In a democracy, can somebody be shut down like this?" Justice Mishra asks Sibal, who is representing the Speaker.
The top court further said, “We are trying to find out whether disqualification process against MLAs was permissible or not.”
SC Keen on Hearing 'Matters of Democracy at Length'
Supreme Court tells Speaker's counsel Kapil Sibal that they are keen on hearing the “matters of democracy at length”. Sibal urged SC to stay proceedings in Rajasthan High Court. Court seeks response from Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Sachin Pilot & 18 MLAs.
Rajasthan Crisis: SC to Start Hearing Matter From 27 July
Supreme Court says the Rajasthan High Court can pass orders on Congress MLAs' plea against the disqualification notice from Rajasthan Speaker. The top court will be hearing the matter of Rajasthan’s political crisis from Monday, 27 July, on a day-to-day basis.
'Have Majority in Assembly, Not Scared of Raids': CM Ashok Gehlot
Explaining why he wrote a letter to PM Modi alleging horse-trading attempts, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday, “I wrote to PM as it's a democracy. I wrote it so that he doesn't say that he didn't have information or his people gave him incomplete information. I wrote it so that if I meet him, he doesn't say that he didn't know about it.”
The CM also asserted that he has majority in the Assembly, and is not scared of raids by central agencies.
On the issue of audio-clips purportedly pointing to a conspiracy to topple the state government, Gehlot said they are genuine and can be sent abroad for tests.
"If they think they don't trust Rajasthan government, then they can send the audio-tapes to FSL agency in the US for a voice test. They should step forward and undergo voice test. Union Ministers, MLAs, MPs give speeches, so everyone knows it is their voice... Still, the first reaction always is, 'It wasn't my voice'. They are also threatening people. Nothing is going to work," he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Day Before HC's Verdict, Gehlot Meets Governor
A day before the Rajasthan High Court verdict on the disqualification notices sent to the rebel Congress MLAs, CM Ashok Gehlot paid a courtesy visit to Governor Kalraj Mishra at Raj Bhawan, ANI reported.
'Federal Structure of India Hit': Kamal Nath Writes to PM Amid Rajasthan Crisis
A day after Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's letter to PM Narendra Modi surfaced, his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Kamal Nath also wrote to the PM saying that the "federal structure of India has been hit and governments are being toppled in an unprincipled manner in all those states which have governments of political parties other than that ruling at the Centre."
"The nation's democratic system is shaken and it's suspected that its centre lies in the Central government. Hope suspicions will prove to be baseless, you'll step forward to protect the reputation of democracy and not allow such opportunist leaders in your government or party [sic[," the Congress leader was quoted as saying in his letter.
Rajasthan HC Accepts Pilot's Plea to Add Centre as Party to the Case
Rajasthan High Court has made Centre a party in the case against Congress, in the petition filed by Sachin Pilot and MLAs against disqualification notice.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) will represent Centre in the court, said Prateek Kasliwal, lawyer of Speaker CP Joshi.
Rajasthan HC Directs 'Status Quo' in Case Against Speaker's Disqualification Notice
Rajasthan High Court directs ‘status quo’ in the case against the Congress on the petition filed by Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLAs against the disqualification notice.
Rajasthan HC Defers Judgement, Says Will Wait For Supreme Court
In a big relief for rebel Congress leader Sachin Pilot and his squad of 18 other MLAs, the Rajasthan High Court on Friday, 24 July, deferred judgment on the petition against the Speaker’s disqualification notice. The court said it will wait for the Supreme Court to decide on the questions of law.
CM Ashok Gehlot Seeks Appointment to Meet Guv With MLAs
After Rajasthan High Court says no action on Sachin Pilot and 18 other rebel MLAs till Supreme Court hearing, CM Ashok Gehlot has sought an appointment with Governor at 12.30 PM. According to reports, Gehlot is going to meet the Governor with his MLAs.
Governor Not Convening Session Due to Pressure From Above: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot
Enroute to the Governor’s house, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said, “We want Assembly session to be convened in order to discuss issues including corona and the political situation.”
He said the Governor is not calling the session because of “pressures from the top”.
Gehlot added that if the Governor does not concede to convening the Assembly session, “people might have to resort to gherao the Raj Bhawan and that won’t be my responsibility.”
Congress Lagislative Party Meet Underway at Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting underway at Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur, reported ANI. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress leader Ajay Maken also present.
Cong MLAs Raise Slogans For Convening Assembly
As the meeting between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Governor Kalraj Mishra is underway, at least 102 MLAs from the Congress party sat on a dharna outside the Raj Bhavan. The MLAs sought that the governor call a special Assembly session.
"Rajyapal, house bulao, house bulao (Governor, call the Assembly, call the Assembly)," the MLAs shouted, reported NDTV.
Governor Mishra has, however, sought legal opinion on calling an Assembly session, sources told TV news channels.
Sanjay Jain Sent to Judicial Custody Till 5 August
Sanjay Jain, who was arrested by Special Operations Group of Rajasthan Police in connection with horsetrading case was sent to judicial custody till 5 August, reported ANI.
'Governor Couldn't Have Stopped Session Without Pressure from Top': Gehlot
While speaking to media on Friday evening, CM Ashok Gehlot once again indicated that the Rajasthan governor has come under pressure from the top, alleging, "The governor is our constitutional head. I don't hesitate to say that he couldn't have stopped it (Assembly Session) without some pressure from the top. Why did he not decide yesterday? We've requested him again to make a decision soon. People are waiting.”
Expressing confidence that the governor will make a decision, Gehlot said they will decide the future course of action after they are given a letter from the governor, reported ANI.
MLAs from Pilot Camp Refuse 'Hostage' Claim
Rebel Congress MLA from the Sachin Pilot camp on Friday refuted claims that they were being held hostage by the BJP, saying they came here on their own will.
"We are here on our own will as despite our efforts, he (CM Gehlot) didn't listen to any of our demands related to work in our constituencies," MLA Suresh Modi was quoted by ANI as saying.
Congress Workers to Hold Demonstrations in All District HQs of Rajasthan
Congress workers will hold demonstrations in all district headquarters of Rajasthan at 11 am on Saturday against BJP's "conspiracy to murder democracy", state party chief Govind Singh Dotasara said, reported PTI.
Rajasthan Crisis: Cong MLAs End Dharna After Governor's ‘Assurance’
Congress MLAs ended their 'dharna' at the Raj Bhawan late on Friday after the Rajasthan governor gave an 'assurance' that he will abide by the Constitution.
The Rajasthan governor has given an assurance that he will abide by the Constitution and a take decision without any pressure, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, adding that a Cabinet meeting will be held at 9:30 pm on Friday to discuss and clear queries raised by the governor, PTI reported.
‘BJP’s Conspiracy to Topple Rajasthan Govt is Clear’: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the "BJP's conspiracy to topple the Rajasthan government is clear", calling it an "insult" to the eight crore people of the state.
"The country is governed by the Constitution and law. The governments are formed and are run with the majority of the people. The BJP conspiracy to topple the Rajasthan government is clear. This is an insult to the 8 crore people of Rajasthan. The governor should call a session of the Legislative Assembly so that the truth comes out before the country," he said in a tweet in Hindi, using the hashtag 'Arrogant BJP'.
'Is This Not the Beginning of a Wrong Trend?': Guv to CM on MLAs' Dharna
After Congress MLAs staged a 'dharna' at Raj Bhawan on Friday, state Governor Kalraj Mishra wrote to CM Gehlot saying, "Before I could discuss the matter with experts regarding the Assembly session, you have publicly said that if Raj Bhawan is 'gheraoed' then it is not your responsibility."
"If you and your Home Ministry can't protect the governor, then what about the law and order in the state? What agency should be contacted for the governor's security? I've never heard such a statement from any CM. Is this not the beginning of a wrong trend where MLAs protest at Raj Bhawan?" he added.
'No Justification Provided for Holding of Assembly Session at Short Notice': Guv's Secretariat
With the row over the holding of an Assembly session in Rajasthan intensifying, the state governor's secretariat issued a statement late on Friday, saying, "On the night of 23 July, the state government presented a paper to convene the session of the Assembly at a very short notice. The paper was analysed and legal experts were consulted over it."
"The date on which the Assembly session is to be convened is not mentioned in the Cabinet note and no approval has been given by the Cabinet for the same... There is no justification provided for holding of the session at short notice nor any agenda has been proposed for the same. A 21-day notice is required for the session to be called according to normal procedures," it said, adding that the government should ensure free movement of all MLAs.
Congress Workers to Protest at All District Headquarters in Rajasthan
Congress workers will hold protests at all district headquarters in Rajasthan against Bharatiya Janata Party's "conspiracy to murder democracy", reported ANI.
Gehlot Seeks Time to Submit Revised Proposal To Guv on Assembly Meet
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has sought time to meet Governor Kalraj Mishra to give a fresh proposal for convening the Assembly session, reported ANI.
CM Ashok Gehlot to Meet Rajasthan Governor at 4 PM
Chief Minister Gehlot will be meeting State Governor Kalraj Mishra at 4 pm to discuss the revised proposal for convening Assembly session.
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) Meet Begins at Jaipur Hotel
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting has started at the Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur, reported ANI.
Congress Meeting at Fairmont Hotel Concludes
Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting at the Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur has concluded, reported news agency ANI.
Will Meet President, Protest Outside PM's House if Needed: Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, during Congress Legislative Party’s (CLP) meeting at Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur said that he is ready to go to Rashtrapati Bhawan to meet the President, if needed. “Also, if required, we will stage a protest outside the PM's residence,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
BJP Delegation Meets Governor
Rajasthan BJP delegation led by state party president Satish Poonia and Leader of Opposition Gulab Chand Kataria arrived at Raj Bhawan in Jaipur to meet Governor Kalraj Mishra over the COVID-19 situation in the state.
BJP Delegation Meets Governor Over Gehlot's Alleged Threat To Gherao Raj Bhavan
A BJP delegation met the Rajasthan Governor over CM Ashok Gehlot’s comments that the people of India will gherao the Raj Bhavan if he doesn’t call for an Assembly session.
The party submitted a memorandum to the governor stating that the "chief minister's threat suggesting gherao of Raj Bhawan and expressing an inability of ensuring security is a clear violation under IPC section 124".
“The warning that ‘8 crore people will gherao the Raj Bhavan' given by the chief minister and home minister of the state can invite punishment under Section 124 of the IPC,” BJP state president Satish Punia said after the party delegation met the governor.
“Chief minister is the head of the state and he said he'll not be responsible for a breach in law and order situation. If not him, then who'll be responsible? He should tender his resignation for using such language,” BJP leader Gulab Chand Kataria said.
Rajasthan Govt Urges Guv To Start Assembly Session From 31 July
A proposal submitted by the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan government to Governor asks to convene Assembly Session from 31 July, reported ANI quoting sources. It also proposed discussion on coronavirus and other Bills. No mention of floor test in proposal.
Rahul, Congress Leaders Attack BJP With Social Media Campaign
Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #SpeakUpForDemocracy to attack the BJP government, who they allege has tried to topple the Rajasthan government amid a pandemic.
Congress Will Stage Protest Outside All Raj Bhawans: Raj Cong Chief
Rajasthan Congress Chief Govind S Dotasra has said that the party will stage a protest outside all Raj Bahwans in the country except Rajasthan.
“We have sent a revised note to the governor and we hope he will soon give his approval for convening the session,” he said.
Democracy is in Danger: Ashok Gehlot on Political Crisis in Rajasthan
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot released a video message and said that the message behind party’s campaign ‘Speak up for democracy’ needs to be understood by people and even the ruling parties.
“It is worrying to see the current situation. The way the government in Karnataka was toppled, followed by Madhya Pradesh. Now in Rajasthan the government is asking the governor to convene the Assembly session,” he said.
He said that it is the time for all parties to work together and fight coronavirus to save lives.
SC to Hear Rajasthan Case From Today
The Supreme Court will hear the petition filed by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker on a day-to-day basis from Monday challenging the authority of the High Court to issue directions over the disqualification of rebel MLAs of the Sachin Pilot camp.
HC's Friday Order Made SC Petition by Speaker 'Infructuous': Sibal
Kapil Sibal informed the court that as the SC did not stay the 21 July order of the High Court that ordered no action against rebel MLAs to be taken by the Speaker, the HC proceeded to defer its verdict in the matter on 24 July and said that it will wait for the outcome of the petition in the Supreme Court first, SC lawyer Sunil Fernandes told The Quint.
Sibal reportedly told the court that the HC order of 21 July (which was the subject matter of challenge in the present SLP) has “merged” with the HC's order of 24 July and therefore this SLP against the order has become infructuous.
May File New Plea Against HC's 24 July Order: Sibal Tells SC
According to ANI, Sibal told SC that Rajasthan HC’s 24 July order raised several other issues including interpretation of 10th Schedule. Sibal said they will weigh legal options and might challenge the 24 July order by the High Court.
The 24 July order had come as a relief to the Pilot camp as the Speaker would not be able to act upon the notice till both the Supreme Court and the High Court give their verdicts.
The Rajasthan HC on Friday, 24 July, had ordered to maintain "status quo" on the disqualification notices issued by the Speaker to the 19 MLAs of Pilot’s camp and deferred its judgment till the Supreme Court decides on the questions of law.
BSP Moves Rajasthan HC to Become Party in Plea by BJP
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) moves Rajasthan High Court seeking to become a party in the petition by BJP against the merger of six BSP MLAs in the state with Congress party, ANI reported.
The High Court told the state's Additional Advocate General, RP Singh to seek all information from the Speaker regarding the petition and inform the court on the same at 2 pm.
The 6 MLAS Won Election on BSP Ticket: BSP Rajasthan Chief
As the BSP clashes with Congress in Rajasthan over the merger of its 6 MLAs in Congress, BSP’s Rajasthan chief slammed the Congress and said that they won the elections on BSP votes.
“The six MLAs had won the election on BSP tickets. CM Ashok Gehlot merged all of them with Congress. This is not the first time it happened in Rajasthan, it had happened in 2008 too,” he said.
“Whip was issued as the MLAs had won elections on BSP tickets and they can't get involved in Congress' activities or vote for them. BSP chief decided this after a lot of deliberation. We're working on her directions,” he added.
Motion of Confidence Not Mention in Proposal for Assembly, Says Rajasthan Governor: Report
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra sought clarification from the state government over the proposal on the convening of the Assembly Session, ANI reported quoting sources.
“Do you want to move Motion of Confidence? It's not mentioned in the proposal but you've been speaking about it in media,” sources told ANI.
“It will be difficult to call all the MLAs for the Assembly session in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Can you consider giving a 21-day notice over the convening of Assembly session?” he reportedly said.
Spoke to PM Over Guv's Behaviour: Gehlot
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot said that he spoke to PM Modi regarding the “behaviour” of the Governor.
“I spoke with Prime Minister yesterday and told him about the behaviour of the Governor. I spoke with him regarding the letter I had written to him seven days back,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
Rajasthan HC Dismisses BJP’s Plea Against Merger of BSP MLAs With Congress in the State
The Rajastha High Court dismissed a petition filed by the BJP against the merger of six BSP MLAs in the state with the Congress. Earlier, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had moved the HC seeking to become a party in the petition.
Rajasthan Governor Orders Govt to Call for Assembly Session: Report
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra has ordered the state government to call for an Assembly session. Not convening the Assembly was never the intention, ANI quoted Raj Bhawan as saying on Monday. Meanwhile, Raj Bhawan sources cited by PTI said the governor will summon the Assembly session if the state government agrees on giving a 21-day notice.
Gujarat Congress Workers Detained While Protesting Over Rajasthan Crisis
Nearly 60 Gujarat Congress workers and leaders were detained by the police on Monday when they marched towards Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar to protest against the BJP over the Rajasthan political crisis, PTI reported.
Will Teach Gehlot a Lesson: BSP to Move Court Over Merger of MLAs
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Tuesday, 28 July, hit out at Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot for merging six BSP MLAs of the state wth the Congress and warned that she will move the Supreme Court in the matter if need be.
“In Rajasthan, after election results, BSP gave unconditional support of all its six MLAs to the Congress. Unfortunately, CM Gehlot, out of his malicious intent and to damage BSP, merged them with Congress unconstitutionally. He did the same even in his last tenure,” Mayawati said in a media briefing, as quoted by ANI.
“BSP could have gone to the court earlier too, but we were looking for a time to teach Congress party and CM Ashok Gehlot a lesson. Now we have decided to go to the court. We will not let this matter be. We will go even to the Supreme Court,” she said.
She further said that the six MLAs will be expelled from the BSP if they support the Gehlot government in the confidence motion.
BJP Files Second Petition Against Merger of BSP MLAs With Congress
BJP leader Madan Dilawar filed a second petition in Rajasthan High Court against the merger of six BSP MLAs in the state with Congress party, ANI reported.
Rajasthan Govt Sends Revised Proposal to Governor on Assembly Session: Reports
The Rajasthan government on Tuesday sent a revised proposal to Governor Kalraj Mishra seeking an Assembly session from 31 July, reports said, citing sources. The proposal reportedly includes the government's reply on the three conditions to be met to convene the session.
Rebel MLA Moves HC Seeking NIA Probe in Horse-Trading Case, Quashing of FIR
Rebel Congress MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma has filed a petition before the high court seeking an NIA probe in connection with the alleged horse-trading case. The petition also seeks to quash the Special Operations Group (SOG) FIR filed against him in the case, reported ANI.
Sharma is the MLA who was suspended from the membership of the Congress since he allegedly figured prominently in the audio tapes on charges of plotting with BJP leaders to bring down the Gehlot government.
ED Summons Ashok Gehlot's Brother for Probe in Money Laundering Case: Report
Amid the Rajasthan political crisis, the Enforcement Directorate has summoned CM Ashok Gehlot's brother Agrasen Gehlot to join an investigation on Wednesday in connection with a fertiliser export case, NDTV reported.
BSP Files Writ petition in HC Over Merger of MLAs
BSP files writ petition in Rajasthan High Court against merger of six BSP MLAs with ruling Congress in state.
Governor Returns Proposal to Convene Assembly, No Approval Yet
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra has returned the proposal to convene the Assembly Session, to CM Ashok Gehlot, ANI reported. The Governor has not given the approval for the Session yet.
Gehlot met Mishra at Raj Bhavan earlier.
Pilot Congratulates Rajasthan Cong Chief; Cautions Against 'Pressure', 'Partiality'
Rebel Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday congratulated Govind Singh Dotasra on assuming the charge of president of Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. "I hope that without any pressure or partiality, you will respect the workers whose hard work has contributed to the formation of the government," he said in his tweet.
Speaker CP Joshi Meets Governor
Amid the stalemate over the convening of an Assembly session, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi met Governor Kalraj Mishra at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday evening.
Gehlot Cabinet Sends Revised Proposal to Governor With New Date: Report
The Ashok Gehlot Cabinet on Wednesday sent a revised proposal to the Governor, asking for the Rajasthan Assembly session to begin on 14 August, sources cited by PTI said.
“We have again sent a proposal to Governor Kalraj Mishra seeking to convene Assembly session. We hope that the governor will accept the proposal this time and announce the date to begin the session soon,” Rajasthan Minister Pratap Khachariyawas was quoted by ANI as saying.
Rajasthan Speaker Moves SC Against HC’s 24 July Order
The Rajasthan Speaker has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Rajasthan High Court's order on 24 July. The appeal challenges the Rajasthan HC's decision to hear the case and order maintenance of status quo, that is, the Speaker can't make a decision on disqualification of the MLAs.
Rajasthan Governor Issues Orders for Assembly Session from 14 Aug
After days of impasse, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra on Wednesday issued orders to convene the Assembly session from 14 August.
The governor, in his order, also directed that all measures should be taken as per guidelines issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19, during the conduct of the Assembly session.
At CLP Meet, Gehlot Tells MLAs to Stay at Hotel Fairmont Till 14 August
A day after the Rajasthan governor issued orders to convene the Assembly session from 14 August, CM Ashok Gehlot reportedly told his MLAs at the Congress Legislature Party meeting that they will have to stay at Hotel Fairmont in Jaipur till that date.
The ministers can visit the secretariat to complete their work, a source present during the meeting told ANI.
Rajasthan HC Issues Notices to Speaker, 6 BSP MLAs Over Merger With Congress
The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Speaker, the secretary of the Legislative Assembly, and the six BSP MLAs in connection with the merger of the legislators with the Congress. The court has asked them to file replies by 11 August, ANI reported.
‘Horse-Trading Won’t Affect Us, Will Complete Term’: Raj CM Gehlot
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Thursday that he is happy that the governor finally accepted his request to call the session sooner as any more delay could have resulted in further horse-trading.
"Everyone knows horse-trading took place but that won't affect us, we will complete our full term," he was quoted by ANI as saying.
'Constitution Supreme, No Pressure': Rajasthan Governor
Responding to the Congress' allegation that he acted under pressure "from the top", Governor Kalraj Mishra said that for him, the Constitution is supreme and that there has been no pressure, reported PTI.
He also called the state government to take all possible measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak and speed up development work.
Gehlot Camp MLAs Being Moved to Jaisalmer from Jaipur Hotel
Over 100 MLAs supporting Rajasthan Chief Minister, currently lodged at the Fairmont hotel in Jaipur, are being moved to Jaisalmer to further try to reduce the prospects of alleged horse-trading.
Gehlot Targets Merger of TDP Rajya Sabha MPs with BJP
Targeting the merger of four TDP MLAs with BJP in the Rajya Sabha, CM Ashok Gehlot questioned how the BJP could target the merger of BSP-Congress MLAs in Rajasthan.
“BJP merged four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs within a night, that was correct. Then why is the merger of BSP MLAs in Rajasthan with Congress wrong? What happened to BJP’s conscience there?” he tweeted.
'MLAs Shifted to Jaisalmer to Keep External Pressures Away': Rajasthan CM Gehlot
The Rajasthan Congress MLAs supporting Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reached Jaisalmer on Friday, where they are being put up at a hotel to protect them from alleged attempts of horse-trading. They were earlier lodged at the Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur.
"Our MLAs who were lodged here (Jaipur) since many days were being harassed mentally. We thought of shifting them to keep external pressure away," Gehlot was quoted by ANI as saying on Friday.
Rajasthan Congress Chief Whip Approaches SC Against Rajasthan HC's Order
Rajasthan Congress’ chief whip, Mahesh Joshi, has also approached the Supreme Court against the 24 July order of the Rajasthan High Court.
Earlier, the Speaker had filed an appeal in SC against the high court’s order.
‘PM Should Stop Tamasha, Horse-Trading Rates Up’: Raj CM Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday asked PM Narendra Modi to get the alleged attempts to topple his government in the state stopped, adding that he is open to welcoming back Congress rebels led by Sachin Pilot, reported PTI.
"Prime Minister should stop the tamasha going on in Rajasthan. The rates for horse-trading have increased here. What tamasha is this?" Gehlot was quoted by ANI as saying in Jaisalmer.
He also called for the resignation of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. “Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's name has come up in Sanjivani Cooperative Society (alleged scam). The court has also directed in the matter. He should resign on moral grounds.”
On the row over the merger of BSP MLAs with the Congress, Gehlot reportedly said, "Mayawati is under the pressure from the CBI and ED... BSP MLAs in the state merged with Congress as per law. When four TDP MPs came with the BJP in Rajya Sabha, no one questioned that."
'Gehlot Unable to Digest I Defeated His Son in LS Polls': Gajendra Shekhawat
In a conversation with PTI, Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat said that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been “unable to digest that I defeated his son in 2019 Lok Sabha polls and he is trying to avenge his defeat.”
He further said that the ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan is a “fallout of infighting in Congress involving Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy minister Sachin Pilot.”
Rajasthan HC Disposes of Plea Against BSP MLAs’ Merger With Congress
The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday, 6 July, disposed of a BJP leader's petition against the merger of six BSP MLAs with the Congress in the state, but set certain conditions, reported news agency ANI.
According to reports, the court has sent the case back to a single-bench.
'Save Democracy': Gehlot Writes to MLAs Ahead of Assembly Session
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot wrote to all his MLAs ahead of the Assembly session, which is scheduled to begin on 14 August, urging them to stand with the truth and maintain people’s confidence.
Amid Reconciliation Talks, Sachin Pilot Likely to Meet Rahul Gandhi
Amid talks of reconciliation with the rebel MLAs in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot is likely to meet Rahul Gandhi on Monday, 10 August, IANS reported quoting Congress sources.
The Congress sources told IANS that veteran party leader Ahmed Patel had pitched in to resolve the issue that had threatened the survival of the Ashok Gehlot government after the Pilot camp raised a banner of revolt over the state leadership.
Sachin Pilot Meets Rahul Gandhi in Delhi
Rebel Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot on Monday met Rahul Gandhi for the first time since he and 18 other MLAs rebelled against their own government in the state.
According to NDTV, the two leaders met in the presence of Priyanka Gandhi at Rahul’s residence, where the Gandhis reportedly agreed to “resolve” all issues regarding Rajasthan.
According to ANI, Pilot reportedly explained the circumstances in which he took the decision and that he did nothing against the Congress and said that he was only opposing Ashok Gehlot.
After listening to Sachin Pilot's grievances, it has been decided that he will meet senior leaders shortly and a committee will be formed to make out modalities for resolving the issue, ANI reported quoting sources.
Sonia Speaks to Gehlot: Report
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi spoke to Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot earlier today, ANI reported quoting sources.
MLA Supporting Pilot Meets Gehlot
Congress leader Bhawan Lal Sharma, who is supporting Sachin Pilot, met Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot today, ANI reported.
“I met him. Party is like a family and Ashok Gehlot is its head. If someone gets upset in a family then they don't take food. So I expressed my unhappiness for a month. Now I don't have any resentment anymore. Party will fulfill all the promises made to people,” he told ANI.
“There was no camp, nobody was a captive. Bhanwar Lal can never be a captive. I went there willingly, I have come here willingly,” he added.
Congress Says Rahul-Pilot Meet ‘Conclusive’; Panel to Probe Issues
Congress leader KC Venugopal on Monday said that Sachin Pilot’s discussion with Rahul Gandhi was ‘frank & conclusive’. He also said that a 3-member panel address the concerns of Pilot and other rebel MLAs.
“Sachin Pilot met with ex-Congress President Rahul Gandhi and expressed his grievances in detail. They had a frank, open and conclusive discussion. Sachin Pilot has committed to working in interest of Congress party and the Congress government in Rajasthan,” ANI quoted senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal as saying.
“Following this meeting, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has decided that the AICC will constitute a three-member committee to address the issues raised by Sachin Pilot and the aggrieved MLA and arrive at an appropriate resolution thereof,” Venugopal said.
Gehlot, Pilot Both are Happy: Cong After Pilot-Rahul Meet
Congreee leader KC Venugopal told ANI that both Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot are happy after Pilot’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi and slammed the BJP for indulging into horse-trading of MLAs.
“Mr Pilot is also happy and our Chief Minister is also happy,” he said.
“This is a direct slap on BJP's anti-democratic face. They are the people doing such horse-trading and sabotaging democratically elected government. This is actually a message to BJP's wrong-doings,” he added.
Pilot, Rebel MLAs Meet Priyanka Gandhi, Ahmed Patel, Venugopal in Delhi
A meeting between Sachin Pilot and the MLAs supporting him is underway with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal at 15 GRG Road, Delhi.
It Was a Matter of Principles: Pilot After meeting Party Leadership
After meeting with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ahmed Patel and KC Venugopal in Delhi, Pilot said that it was always a matter of principles.
“Since past some time some MLAs were in Delhi, there were some issues which we wanted to highlight. I did that. I'd been saying since beginning that all these things were based on principle. I always thought these things are essential to be raised in party's interest,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
“Sonia Gandhi Ji heard all our concerns and the governance issues that we raised. Formation of the 3-member committee by the Congress President is a welcome step. I think all the issues will be resolved,” he added.
“Party gives us post and can also take it back. I have no desire for any post but I wanted our self-respect to remain intact. I have contributed to the party for 18-20 years now. We have always attempted to ensure the participation of people who worked hard to form the government,” Pilot said.