CM Ashok Gehlot lashes out in Assembly, says end to Rajasthan crisis 'stunned Amit Shah'

As Rajasthan Assembly session convened, renewed with support of all Congress MLAs, CM Ashok Gehlot, on Friday, lashed out at BJP over its 'attempts to topple a democratically-elected government'. Talking about Sachin Pilot's failed rebellion, he said that return of rebels back into Congress folds surprised only Amit Shah and BJP. Vowing that BJP's dreams won't be fulfilled in Rajasthan, he flaunted his 50-year-long experience in politics, while debating for trust vote for his government.

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Gehlot: 'Is this democracy - to topple an elected govt?'

Lashing out at BJP, CM Ashok Gehlot said, "You tried a lot to lure our colleagues. way it beautifully ended, in end, stunned BJP and Amit Shah and one else. Your party, your high command conspired against us and whole nation saw what you did in Goa, Manipur, Karnataka, Mhya Presh. This is a naked dance and you don't even bor about (hiding) this. Is this democracy - to topple an elected govt? I am in politics for 50 years and have been in senior posts".

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Pilot sidelined in Assembly

In a blatant attempt to sideline ex-Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, he was allocated a seat close to opposition inste of his usual seat next to CM Ashok Gehlot. Inspite of pointed snub, Pilot remarked, "When I entered Assembly at 11.30 am today, I found my seat here. When I would sit re, I was a part of government and safe. I understand that this is border and most powerful warrior is sent to border."

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Pilot returns to Congress

On Monday, Pilot and 18 rebel MLAs returned to Congress after Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi met with him, agreeing to appoint a 3-member panel to probe into Sachin Pilot's demands. While sources h reported that Gehlot camp is dissatisfied with Pilot and his rebel MLAs' return, Pilot has maintained that he h only highlighted certain governance issues and re was friction in party. Congress held a  CLP meeting on Thursday and has moved a 'motion of confidence' supporting Ashok Gehlot in Assembly on Friday, opposing BJP's -confidence motion.

Allocated seat close to opposition in Assembly, Pilot pitches 'powerful warrior' defence

Pilot & his MLAs rebelled when  Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) issued tice to Pilot in connection with alleged involvement of BJP leers for toppling state government with BJP members.  In response, Pilot and 18 MLAs arrived in Delhi, reducing Congress' numbers from 107 to 88. Though Gehlot has submitted a letter of 102 MLAs, Congress also sacked Pilot as Deputy CM, PCC chief and cabinet posts. This move has been challenged in Rajasthan High Court, which has ordered to maintain status-quo staying any action against 19 rebel MLAs till next hearing.