Rajasthan: Fearing horse-trading, Ashok Gehlot shifts his loyalists again

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is planning to shift his loyal MLAs from a resort near Jaipur to another facility in Jaisalmser to thwart BJP’s attempts at horse-trading.

Nearly 102 MLAs are supporting him and could be shifted.

This month, Gehlot was faced with a surprising revolt, led by his former deputy Sachin Pilot. The young Turk took nearly 20 of his loyalists camping in Haryana announcing that Gehlot had lost the majority in the 200-member strong Assembly.

Congress tried ironing differences with Pilot, but he remained stern and was eventually sacked.

Gehlot repeatedly claimed that Pilot is working with BJP to topple his government. Reiterating his allegations, Gehlot said that the rate of MLA has gone up since the Assembly session was announced.

“After the assembly session was announced last night, the rates of horse trading have increased. Earlier the first installment was of Rs 10 crore and second was of Rs 15 crore. Now it has become unlimited and all know who is doing horse-trading,” Mr Gehlot told reporters.

After prolonged tensions with the CM, Governor Kalraj Mishra agreed to convene the session from August 14.Reportedly, Gehlot could hold a trust vote on August 17 and want his flock to stay together till that happens.

Interestingly, Pilot’s camp would also attend the session.