Rajasthan crisis: Setback for CM Gehlot as BTP decides to abstain in a floor test scenario

In ar setback for Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Bhartiya Tribal Party on Monday 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.

This development comes even as sources revealed that only 84 out of 107 MLAs attended Congress Legislative Party meeting held at Gehlot's residence earlier in day. After meeting, buses ferried  legislators to Hotel Fairmont in Jaipur. As per sources, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Vadra and former party president Rahul Gandhi are making last-ditch attempts to placate Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot.

Read: Rajasthan Govt Crisis LIVE Updates: Gehlot Herds MLAs In Resort As Congress Dwindles To 84

Read: 'If All Leave One By One...': Sanjay Nirupam Fires Pilot Warning To Rahul & Sonia Gandhi

CLP passes resolution

Congress Legislative Party in Rajasthan passed a resolution unanimously supporting state government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. legislators also reposed faith in leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi. Recalling "revolutionary" and "historic" decisions taken by Gehlot government in last one and a half years, legislators reiterated ir commitment to continue on this path.

Lashing out at BJP for trying to destabilise state government via horsetrading, resolution contended that this was an insult to mandate given by 8 crore residents of Rajasthan. MLAs also condemned all acts intended to weaken government. y also called for strict disciplinary action to be taken against any Congress MLA or office-bearer of party directly or indirectly involved in anti-party activities. This is being perceived as a categorical warning for Deputy CM Sachin Pilot and his loyalists, who stayed away from CLP meeting.

Crisis in Rajasthan Congress

Pilot’s departure to Delhi with some of his supporting legislators on July 11 set off alarm bells in Congress camp. As per sources, he had a one-to-one meeting with senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, where he listed a long list of grievances. Some of  MLAs from Pilot camp are believed to be lodged at Gurugram as well. Additionally, sources stated that Pilot had sought a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi to apprise her of step-morly treatment being meted out to his faction.

Read: Rajasthan Congress Leaders Question Timing Of I-T Raids