Rajasthan govt LIVE Updates: CM Ashok Gehlot wins trust vote in Assembly as crisis ends

Speaking in the Rajasthan Assembly during the trust vote debate on Friday, ex-Deputy CM Sachin Pilot put forth a brave front after a seat close to the opposition was allocated to him. Prior to the rebellion, Pilot would sit next to Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot. The Tonk MLA is now seated on seat number 127 next to Independent legislator Sanyam Lodha in the second row.

Sachin Pilot remarked, "When I entered the Assembly at 11.30 am today, I found my seat here. When I would sit there, I was a part of the government and safe. Then, I thought why the Assembly Speaker and chief whip allocated this seat to me. Then, I understood that this is the border. The most powerful warrior is sent to the border. Many things have been said today in the discussion that is taking place on the motion of confidence. With time, there will be revelations. Whatever I or my colleagues wanted to say have conveyed it to the appropriate doctor. After treatment, all of us are in the Assembly united. Keeping aside rumours, we have to pay attention to reality."
 

Lashing out at the BJP, CM Ashok Gehlot said, "You tried a lot to lure our colleagues. The way it beautifully ended in the last stunned the BJP and Amit Shah and no one else. Your party, your high command conspired against us and the whole nation saw what you did in Goa, Manipur, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh. This is a naked dance and you don't even bother about (hiding) this.  Is this a democracy to topple an elected govt? I am in politics since 50 years and have been in senior posts".

Former Rajasthan CM & BJP leader Vasundhra Raje and Congress leader Sachin Pilot arrive at Rajasthan Assembly.

"We will fight against bad politics of BJP. Congress will unitedly stand against the BJP tomorrow. Everything is well within the Congress party now," says KC Venugopal

Sachin Pilot reaches CM's Ashok Gehlot's residence, to attend Congress Legislature Party, ahead of the special session of the Rajasthan assembly tomorrow. This is his first meet with CM Ashok Gehlot since  Rajasthan Political Crisis

Congress revokes suspension of MLAs Bhanwarlal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh: AICC general secretary Avinash Pande

"There are a lot of differences in the government. The way they have struggled, there are chances that they might bring a vote of confidence in the Assembly but we are also ready to bring a no-confidence motion," says Satish Punia, BJP Rajasthan President

The Rajasthan High Court has posted for hearing on Friday the petitions filed by BJP MLA Madan Dilawar and the BSP challenging the merger of six MLAs with the Congress. After hearing arguments, the single judge bench posted the matter for hearing on Friday as half day was observed in the court on Thursday.

Rajasthan: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting to be held at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence in Jaipur at 5 pm today. State Assembly session is scheduled to convene from tomorrow.

Whatever misunderstanding occurred in the party in last one month, we need to forgive & forget in the interest of the country, state, people and democracy: Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan Chief Minister & Congress leader 

Regarding the Rajasthan BSP MLA case, Kapil Sibal tells Supreme Court that a business advisory committee of the Rajasthan assembly is scheduled to meet at 10 am tomorrow to decide agenda. All opposition parties will be represented in the BAC meeting.

Rajasthan BJP calls for a Legislative party meeting at 11 AM at  BJP office, Jaipur on Thursday

Meanwhile Sachin Pilot has currently called a meeting with all 18 MLAs supporting him at Jaipur. Sources also report with the return of the Pilot, all 101 Gehlot MLAs wish to meet the party High Command to place their demands. Sources report that this is a ploy to put pressure on the High Command by a show of strength by Gehlot camp.

Former CM Vasundhara Raje reaches Jaipur to hold a meeting with party workers

With the truce called between Sachin Pilot and the Congress, MLAs supporting CM Ashok Gehlot who were holed up in Jaisalmer, have returned to Jaipur via chartered plane. They will reportedly stay at Fairmont Hotel till the Assembly session is recovenved on August 14.

As per sources, the Congress MLAs holed up in the Suryagarh Hotel at Jaisalmer will reach Jaipur on Wednesday. The Indigo Airlines flight ferrying Congress MLAs and office-bearers is likely to arrive at the Jaipur Airport at about 12 pm. There is a possibility that Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot shall accompany them. 

The meeting of the Congress Legislative Party has commenced at Suryagarh Hotel in Jaisalmer. It is being chaired by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot. Randeep Surjewala, Ajay Maken, Avinash Pande, and Govind Singh Dotasra are present in the meeting.

Addressing a press conference in Jaipur, ex-Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot opined that airing views within the party cannot be perceived as a revolt. According to him, addressing genuine governance issues was critical to avoid Congress' 2013 election debacle where the party bagged only 21 seats in the 200-member Assembly. Maintaining that no one should have a problem with constructive suggestions, Pilot contended that Congress can win the next polls only on fulfilling the demands of the people.

Asserting that the legislators in his camp were loyal to the Congress party, the Tonk MLA clarified that he was not hankering after any post. At the same time, he stressed that the legislators who expressed their concerns should not face vendetta politics. Pilot assured that he shall extend all possible cooperation to the state government. 

On this occasion, Pilot affirmed that he had performed every responsibility given to him with 100% dedication. Commenting on the harsh language used by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, he refused to issue a counter. At the same time, he highlighted that it was the duty of the CM to remove misgivings. He expressed hope that the situation would change in the future. 

In another twist in the Rajasthan political crisis on Tuesday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed unhappiness regarding the return of some rebels to the party fold. During the discussion at the Suryagarh Hotel in Jaisalmer, some MLAs contended that it was not prudent to trust the MLAs belonging to the Sachin Pilot camp. A meeting of the Congress Legislative Party has been scheduled at 7 pm as per sources. It is likely that the rebel MLAs might face tough opposition in this meeting. 

"Rajasthan ka CM kaisa ho? Sachin Pilot jaisa ho (How should be the CM of Rajasthan? He should be like Sachin Pilot)," Sachin Pilot supporters shouted slogans at his residence in Jaipur, waiting for his arrival from Delhi after a month.

The Rajasthan HC adjourned the petition challenging the merger of 6 BSP MLAs with Congress to August 13. With the possibility of a confidence motion after the commencement of the Assembly session on August 14, the fate of the 6 BSP-turned-Congress MLAs is crucial. 

As per sources, Sachin Pilot has left for Jaipur via road. He has reached Gurugram. MLA G Khatana is driving the car in which Pilot is travelling. 

While acknowledging that the Congress government in Rajasthan is now safe, BSP supremo Mayawati lamented that the internal conflict has affected the works of public welfare. She also predicted that the drama between Sachin Pilot and Ashok Gehlot can begin again. According to her, the state government should focus on the people at a juncture when COVID-19 is rampant in India. She urged Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra to take cognizance of the situation in the state and carry out his constitutional responsibility. 

Issuing his first response after Sachin Pilot returned to Congress fold, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that BJP stands exposed and that his party will win 2023 election. Speaking to media on Tuesday, Ashok Gehlot said that the 34-member committee will look into the grievances of Pilot and company, while also alleging that  BJP tried their best to break the government but Congress party is united. While he ducked questions on his previous Nikamma remark on Pilot, he exuded confidence on his MLAs saying that not even one of them left the party despite BJP's attempt to lure them in all manner. However, he took a jibe at Pilot and said that 'those who left needs to think why they left and what is the difference.'

"It's my responsibility to see what issues they have with me. Apart from this, BJP had a big defeat in all this. This is victory of the people of Rajasthan..New energy has been generated in Congress with this. Its our responsibility to save democracy."

Getting back to the Congress fold over a month after a stalemate with Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot has thanked party's interim President Sonia Gandhi, former chief Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Pilot said that he is 'firm' in his belief and will continue to work for a 'better India'. Amid several allegations of tampering with democratic principles and indulging in horse-trading by the BJP, Pilot said that he will work to 'protect the democratic values' that the Congress party cherishes.

As Sachin Pilot returned to the Congress fold, senior party leader Kapil Sibal has commented on the political scenario in Rajasthan and has seemingly taken a jibe at the former Deputy CM.

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Sibal has said that as everyone in Rajasthan is gearing up for the assembly session on August 14, 'Ghar Wapsi' has been ensured and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has endured. This comes against the backdrop of Sachin Pilot returning to Congress party after over a month-long stalemate with Gehlot. However, Sibal added that opportunism cannot be cured, in what seems to be a jibe at Pilot who will allegedly be given a role in the party's national politics, as per sources.

When Pilot went to Delhi on July 11 and speculation was made about his talks with BJP, Sibal was among those who warned his own party that if issues are not resolved, Congress will lose all important leaders. In a U-turn later, he toed the party line and alleged horse-trading by BJP and pointed out the 'opportunism' of Pilot. 

Congress party has every right to keep its brightest talents within it. I hope that he (Sachin Pilot) will come back and if the news is confirmed, I would be amongst those very happily welcoming and applauding it: Shashi Tharoor, Congress

Amid reconciliation with Sachin Pilot, sources report that there is dissatisfaction amid Congress MLAs in Ashok Gehlot camp. Top Congress leader Randeep Surjewala is reportedly placating them. CM Ashok Gehlot will meet MLAs in Jaisalmer on Tuesday, report sources. Moreover, sources add that Sachin Pilot will be made Home Minister and all 15 MLAs will be given ministerial berths.

Breaking his silence since rebelling against Congress, Rajasthan's ex-Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, on Monday, said that he had only highlighted certain governance issues and there was no friction in the party. Thanking Priyanka Gandhi for speaking with all MLAs, he said that he was happy that the committee was constituted to resolve all issues. Pilot who was sacked as deputy CM, Congress state chief, added that he was not 'greedy for posts'.

Addressing reporters for the first time since flying to Delhi, he said, "All is well. For some time our MLAs were in Delhi regarding party issues and development work which we wanted to highlight. The issues were on principals which were important for the well being of party".

When asked about his tiff with CM Ashok Gehlot, he said, "Cong president Rahul Gandhi had decided to make Ashok Gehlot as CM in 2018. I have never used any disrespectful words and behavior against anyone. There is no place for personal malice in politics. I have never been greedy for any posts". Gehlot had alleged that Pilot was involved in horse-trading of MLAs, called him 'useless and ineffective' before softening his stance and welcoming all rebels.

Hours after Congress appointed a 3-member panel to probe into Sachin Pilot's demands, the ex-Deputy CM of Rajasthan along with 15 rebel MLAs have met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi at her residence, as per sources. Pilot may be given a national level role - mostly Gehlot's General secretary post, claim sources. Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Ahmed Patel were also present for the meeting. 

Previously, Pilot met with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi at Rahul Gandhi's Delhi residence to discuss 'negotiation terms'. After that meeting, the Gandhi siblings also met with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to discuss Pilot's demands and the situation in Rajasthan. After the meeting, Congress issued a statement announcing Pilot's return and that a panel would be constituted

After calling truce with Congress, Sachin Pilot and all rebel MLAs currently in Manesar hotels are set to go back to Jaipur, report sources, 2 MLAs are reportedly sick and will need to return back for treatement, add sources.

With the truce called between Congress and Sachin Pilot, sources state that BJP has called off its meeting of all MLAs.
 

Seven more Pilot camp MLAs are reportedly set to meet former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi at his residence after truce called between warring factions. 

Sachin Pilot has met with former Congress President Shri. Rahul Gandhi and expressed his grievances in detail. They have had a frank, open and conclusive discussion. Shri Sachin Pilot has committed to working in the interest of the Congress party and the Congress government in Rajasthan. 

Following this meeting, Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi has decided that the AICC will constitute a three member committee to address the issues raised by Shri Sachin Pilot & the aggrieved MLA and arrive at an appropriate resolution thereof.

As Congress hints at a truce with former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, rebel MLA Bhanwar Lal met CM Ashok Gehlot at CM residence in Jaipur, pledging his support. Sources further report that all MLAs of Sachin Pilot camp are leaving from Delhi. Lal is one of two Pilot camp MLAs who was named in the FIR for alleged horse-trading with BJP. Rajasthan High Court is set to hear all pleas on the issue, including Lal's on August 13.

Addressing reporters in Jaipur, Lal said, "He (Gehlot) is the head of the party. There is no camp. There was no anger. We will fulfill the promises made to people as a party".

Urging other rebel MLAs to meet Gehlot, he said that he had discussed his issues with the CM who has promised everything will be solved. While he said he was unsure if Pilot would return or not, he said that other MLAs should come back. Meanwhile, another rebel MLA - Vishvendra Bharatpur denied reports of truce telling 'Hold your horses'.

"I believe all other MLAs should also come. I had some problems which I displayed openly. Ashok Gehlot promised me all the work will be completed.  I am with Ashok Gehlot. He (Pilot) has already met Rahul Gandhi. I don't know if Sachin Pilot will come or not, I urge other MLAs to come," he added.

Sources report that amid the truce between the two warring camps, some MLAs of Sachin Pilot camp are set to meet Ashok Gehlot. All MLAs of Sachin Pilot camp are leaving from Delhi, report sources. Moreover, rebel MLA - Bhanwar Lal has apparently reached the CM residence already.
 

Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia reiterated that the political crisis was a result of the internal bickering within the ruling party. He lamented that former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had stepped in to defuse the crisis very late owing to which the people of Rajasthan including the youth, workers, and farmers suffered for 31 days. Earlier in the day, a meeting was held between Pilot and the brother-sister duo in the national capital. Heaving a sigh of relief that the dispute has ended, he called upon the Congress party to apologise to the people of the state.

Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Court extends the Police custody of accused Sanjay Jain till 12th August.
 

Sachin Pilot met AICC senior leaders y'day & meeting was fixed with Rahul Gandhi. Today Rahul Gandhi met Pilot, Priyanka GV was also there. Pilot explained the circumstances in which he took the decision & that he did nothing against Congress he was 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. In the meantime, Party has been successful in neutralising few MLAs from Pilot Camp, says sources. Meanwhile, CM Gehlot too has spoken to Sonia Gandhi to find a middle ground with Sachin Pilot.

With the Rajasthan High Court set to hear BSP's plea challenging its six MLAs' merger with Congress on August 11, the Mayawati-led party's rebel MLAs on Saturday, have moved the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of the plea to the apex court from the Rajasthan HC. The HC plea seeks disqualification of the MLAs for merging with the Congress in 2019.  While BSP has issued a whip instructing its MLAs to vote against the Gehlot government, the six MLAs have reaffirmed their support to CM Ashok Gehlot. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court announced that it would take up for hearing the transfer petition of the BSP-turned-Congress MLAs and BJP's petition challenging the merger together on August 11.

The 8-member SOG team has filed an FIR naming BJP MP Gajendra Shekhawat, Pilot camp MLAs- Vishvendra Singh, Bhanwar Lal after tapes were leaked by Congress featuring MLAs discussing money transaction with BJP leaders to topple the Gehlot government. Moreover,  the Rajasthan SOG has arrested 3 people in connection to the case. While SOG has issued notice to Shekhawat, it is hunting for Pilot camp MLAs to collect voice samples for the same. They have visited two Haryana hotels but were unable to find the MLAs.

Ahead of the Rajasthan Assembly being convened on August 14, the Rajasthan High Court will hear all petitions in the alleged horse-trading case on August 13. While Rajasthan SOG has approached the Rajasthan HC for seeking audio samples of accused Sanjay Jain, another accused MLA Bhanwar Lal has approached the Court seeking dismissal of the FIR against him. The court will hear all pleas in this issue on August 13.
 

Ahead of a presumed trust-vote in the Rajasthan Assembly, 20 BJP MLAs have been sent to two different locations in Gujarat - 6 in Porbandar, 14 in Gandhinagar. While state BJP chief Satish Poonia has maintained BJP is intact, dismissing internal party politics, the MLAs claimed that Congress was pressuring them to 'vote for Gehlot'. Amid these developments, former CM Vasundhara Raje flew to Delhi to meet with party chief J P Nadda to discuss the political storm brewing in her state. The party has also called for a meeting with all MLAs on Tuesday in Jaipur. 

CM Ashok Gehlot, on Sunday, wrote to his MLAs appealing them to save democracy by listening to the people's voices. In a three-page letter, Gehlot says that MLAs belonging to any party must stick democratic principles, assuring his government will take care of all constituents be it from BJP, Congress etc.  All 102 Gehlot MLAs are currently holed in Jaisalmer till the Assembly will be convened on August 14. Meanwhile, Pilot and his 18 MLAs are spread across Delhi & Haryana.
 

Four days ahead of Rajasthan Assembly reconvening, Congress seems to be heading towards reconciliation with miffed former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot on Monday. Sources report that Pilot met with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi at Rahul Gandhi's Delhi residence to discuss 'negotiation terms'. After that meeting, the Gandhi siblings also met with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to discuss Pilot's demands and the situation in Rajasthan. 

Apart from Pilot's meeting, leaders close to him have revealed that they are in touch with Congress leaders and that the party has assured that issues related to Rajasthan political situation will be resolved soon, according to ANI. Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra too confirmed the same, saying 'if they issue an unconditional apology, all issues will be sorted out in party'. The party has softened its stance towards the rebels, keeping its door open to them.

The final straw for Pilot's rebellion came when  Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) issued notice to Pilot in connection with the alleged involvement of BJP leaders for toppling the state government - with BJP members hinting that Pilot was reportedly in touch with the BJP camp to become the CM. In response, Pilot and 18 MLAs arrived in Delhi, reducing the Congress' numbers from 107 to 88. Though Pilot has submitted a letter of 104 MLAs' support, the Congress also issued disqualification notices Pilot & his 18 MLAs from the Assembly.

Pilot and his 18 MLAs have challenged the disqualification notices issued by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi in the Rajasthan High Court. The court has ordered to maintain status-quo staying any action against the 19 rebel MLAs till the next hearing. Meanwhile, Congress chief whip Mahesh Joshi and Speaker CP Joshi have again moved the Supreme Court challenging the Rajasthan High Court's 'status quo' order. Moreover, BSP and BJP have moved the High Court and the Supreme Court challenging six BSP MLAs' merger with Congress, seek their disqualification.

Rajasthan numbers

The Congress camp is split into two factions - Gehlot (88), Sachin Pilot (19). With the support of six BSP-turned-Congress MLAs, two BTP MLAs, several of the 12 independent MLAs, Gehlot has submitted a letter of support from 102 MLAs. BJP with 72 MLAs also enjoys the support of 3 RLP MLAs and one independent MLA. As none of the rebel Congress MLAs, nor the BSP-turned-Congress MLAs have been disqualified, the Assembly strength stands at 200.