Amid Crisis, Rajasthan BJP Moves MLAs to Gujarat Fearing Poaching

Left: Sachin Pilot. Middle: Vasundhara Raje. Right: Ashok Gehlot. Image used for representational purpose.

(Photo: The Quint)

Amid political crisis in Rajasthan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has moved several of its MLAs to Gujarat, fearing poaching by the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, IANS reported.

According to IANS, around a 18-20 MLAs from Jalore, Sirohi and Udaipur divisions were shifted on Friday night to a resort in Ahmedabad whereas another group of six MLAs went to Porbandar by a chartered flight.

Speaking to IANS, Rajasthan BJP chief Satish Poonia said that the BJP MLAs are being lured by the Congress, saying that the party is “misusing” government machinery in Rajasthan for “selfish ends”.

“Many officials have visited our MLAs in the tribal belt and tried to influence them through immoral ways. Our MLAs were depressed and tense and hence we planned an excursion trip for them,” he said.

The BJP leader said they would be back by 12 August, though the final date needs to be decided. They will offer prayers at the Somnath temple on Monday, he added.

“Lots of political activities are happening in Rajasthan. CM Ashok Gehlot doesn’t have majority and the government is mentally harassing BJP MLAs. In these circumstances, six of our MLAs have come here to visit Somnath Temple,” MLA Nirmal Kumawat told ANI after he, along with five other MLAs reached Porbandar.

“More MLAs will join us. Congress government in Rajasthan is pressurizing us to vote in their favour. We will stay here for the next two days,” he added.

Meanwhile, former PCC Vice-President Archana Sharma told IANS that "they (BJP) are blaming the Congress, but there is a dispute within the party. Hence, they are taking their MLAs to Gujarat."

The shifting of the MLAs out of Rajasthan comes as Vasundhara Raje met JP Nadda and Rajnath Singh in Delhi amid the political situation in Rajasthan.

(With inputs from ANI and IANS.)