BTP formally extends support to CM Ashok Gehlot; Congress claims support of 109 MLAs

In a major development in Rajasthan political crisis, Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP), on Saturday, formally extended its support to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. Both BTP MLAs have been holed up in Fairmont Hotel in Jaipur along with or Gehlot-supporting MLAs. With formal support of BTP, Gehlot has support of 88 Congress MLAs, 2 BTP MLAs, and several Independent MLAs. Congress w claims it has 109 MLAs' support in 200-member house.

BTP supports Gehlot formally

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BTP issues whip to MLAs

On July 13, BTP issued a whip directing its two MLAs to abstain from voting if a floor test takes place. BTP, founded by Gujarat MLA Chhotubhai Vasava in 2017, had voted for Congress party's candidates in Rajya Sabha polls held in June. In letter addressed to MLAs, BTP national president Maheshbhai Vasava also stressed that y should t vote for Sachin Pilot or BJP eir. He warned of disciplinary action if MLAs violated party whip.

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Congress present 'leaked tapes' in court

Earlier in day, Rajasthan SOG produced audio clip which allegedly features businessman Sanjay Jain talking to MLAs about money transactions in a sessions court in Jaipur. court has w ordered Jain to a four-day remand of Special Operations Group (SOG) team of Rajasthan Police. Moreover, sources state that accused BJP leaders -  Ashok Singh and Bharat Malani refused to give ir voice samples for furr investigation.

Rajasthan: Cong claims 'BTP MLAs with us' despite Party's whip to t vote in floor test

Congress accuses BJP of being involved in horse-trading

party has demanded that a case be lodged against BJP leader and Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, accusing him of being involved in horse-trading of Rajasthan MLAs, releasing a tape allegedly featuring Shekhawat and rebel Congress MLA- Bhanwarlal Sharma. Congress also suspended Sharma and Vishvendra Singh from party after SOG found 'leaked tapes' of MLAs discussing money transactions. While BJP has denied its involvement, Rajasthan's Special Operation Group has arrested an individual named Sanjay Jain alias Sanjay Baradia apart from BJP leaders - Ashok Singh and Bharat Malani. SOG team has also visited hotels in Haryana to issue a tice to 19 rebel MLAs to collect evidence in form of voice samples. SOG has filed an FIR- naming rebel MLA Bhanwar Lal Sharma, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Sanjay Jain.

Rajasthan SoG reaches ITC Manesar to issue tice to Pilot camp;Haryana police allow entry

Rajasthan battle

final straw for Pilot's rebellion came when  Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) issued tice to Pilot in connection with alleged involvement of BJP leaders for toppling state government - with BJP members hinting that Pilot was reportedly in touch with BJP camp to become CM. In response, Pilot and 18 MLAs arrived in Delhi, reducing Congress' numbers from 107 to 88. While Gehlot has submitted a letter of support from over 104 MLAs, all attempts to woo back Pilot failed as he maintained that will t be joining BJP.

Congress has sacked Pilot as Deputy CM, state party chief, and 2 cabinet ministers, issuing all 19 MLAs disqualification tice by Speaker. Pilot has challenged this in Rajasthan High Court and it has been stayed tll Tuesday, while hearing is scheduled on Monday. Congress which is split into two factions stands as such - Gehlot camp (88), Pilot camp (19) while BJP has 72 MLAs in house of 200.