- Congress spokesman Shaktisinh Gohil, on 30 July, accused the BJP of attempting to poach its MLAs by offering them bribes of Rs 15 crore
The BJP also offered the Congress MLAs tickets to contest the upcoming assembly polls, Gohil alleged
Congress has shifted 44 MLAs to Bengaluru resort to avoid “poaching by BJP” - Congress leaders have registerd their complaints with the EC
- 6 MLAs quit Gujarat Congress after Vaghela’s resignation, more MLAs are expected to follow suit
- Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls on 26 July. He will contest from Gujarat
Gujarat Congress MLAs Hole Up in B'luru Resort to Avoid Being Poached by BJP
The Congress, on 30 July, paraded 44 of its legislators from Gujarat before the media in an effort to put to rest all speculation, including internal bickering in the party, as charged by BJP.
Speaking at a press conference, Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil asserted that there was no rift in the party and that the “BJP cannot divide” the party.
Forty four MLAs from Guajrat were moved to a resort in Bengaluru to avoid being “poached” by the BJP ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls.
Gohil claimed that the MLAs had to be holed up at the Magnolia Resort in Bengaluru because they were allegedly being lured by the BJP with a Rs 15 crore bait and tickets to contest the forthcoming Assembly polls.
Ask these MLAs the way they are threatened, they chose to stand by the party even when offered Rs 15 crore... We have the required numbers. There’s no need for us to stay here (Bengaluru) for even a minute if they say they won’t threaten.Gujarat Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil
The Indian Express also quoted Gohil as saying:
The game of the BJP is to get 22 of the 57 MLAs of the Congress.
Amid rumours of the MLAs getting luxury treatment at the Bengaluru resort, the party has been criticised for the MLAs’ absence from their constituencies when Gujarat is flood-ravaged.
Earlier on Friday, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala demanded that the Election Commission (EC) lodge a criminal case against the BJP for “poaching” its MLAs using “money and muscle” power, a charge denied by the saffron party.
EC Seeks Enquiry Report: Reports
According to Times of India, the Election Commission officials have sought an enquiry report from the Gujarat Chief Secretary on the allegations made by the Congress.
The EC has further asked the State government to ensure the security of its MLAs.
People Stranded in Floods, But Cong not Bothered: BJP
Speaking to ANI, BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav slammed the Congress for having disconnected mobile phone connections of the MLAs in Bengaluru, even as the state is reeling in floods.
They have been taken to Bengaluru with so much expenses, given all facilities, on the other hand people are in distress.
Our MLAs Were Bribed, Threatened: Congress to EC
According to News 18, The Congress Leaders who met the Election Commission officials in Delhi today brought up the instance of the three MLAs who were allegedly bribed by the BJP to join their ranks on Friday.
They also said that by forcing their MLAs to deflect, the sanctity of the Rajya Sabha was being violated.