New Delhi, June 11, 2020-
Amid the political crisis in Rajasthan, the Congress on Thursday alleged that the BJP is trying to lure away its MLAs and destabilise the elected government in the state.
Addressing a press conference, senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said, “It is true that the BJP is trying to destabilise the elected government in Rajasthan. Our chief whip lodged a complaint with DG, ACB as how the BJP is trying to buy our MLAs.” Shukla said that on Wednesday evening the Congress MLAs had a meeting and there is no issue of concern.
“The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were also present during the meeting,” Shukla said.
His remarks came after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot late Wednesday night accused the BJP of indulging in horse trading in Rajasthan to destabilise the government and said that BJP wants to repeat the Madhya Pradesh story in Rajasthan too.
“One of our MLAs was offered Rs 25 crore, 10 crore in advance and 15 crore later, but he informed us on time. We have been tipped that a huge cash amount has been transferred from Delhi to Jaipur recently which has been informed to us by investigative agencies,” Rajasthan CM said after coming out of Shiv-Vilas Resort where 90 MLAs, both Congress and independents, were camping since Wednesday evening.
Initially, 90 MLAs were shifted to this resort situated at Delhi road fearing poaching, but late in the night these MLAs were asked to go back home.
In between, they had an elaborate meeting in presence of leader Randeep Surjewala. Gehlot said the party workers and independents shall meet on Thursday again as Congress candidate for Rajya Sabha, K.C. Venugopal shall also be coming to Jaipur.
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Rajasthan Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey will also be present during the meeting.
Gehlot further said that he was proud to be the Chief Minister of state where MLAs can not be bought.
He further accused the Narendra Modi government and said that a concocted plan was made to postpone Rajya Sabha elections earlier. “Modi government pressurised Election Commission to postpone the election as horse trading had not been done in Rajasthan and Gujarat by then.”
Earlier, political activities intensified on Wednesday when Chief Minister called all MLAs to his residence for a meeting. The MLAs were later shifted to the resort.
Meanwhile, the Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi lodged an official complaint with Director General of police, ACB demanding a strict action against BJP workers for trying to lure away the Independent MLAs with money power.
Joshi, in his letter addressed to the DG ACB, said, “On the lines of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, there has been an information coming via our reliable sources about efforts being made by the BJP to destabilise the government in Rajasthan by luring Congress as well as Independent MLAs who are supporting our government.” This despicable attempt is not only against democratic values but also against people’s expectations. This is illegal, unethical, condemnable and invites legal action. Strict action should be taken against those involved in such a despicable crime who are trying to lure people’s representatives and destabilise the government,” the letter said.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Satish Poonia told, “This is just propaganda made by Congress workers. I openly challenge them to come out with proof confirming their allegation.”
Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled to take place on June 19 for 24 seats out of which three seats are in Rajasthan. (Agency)
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