I can see a big split among BJP MLAs, says CM Ashok Gehlot

New Delhi | Jaipur: With the crucial Rajasthan assembly session starting from Friday, chief minister Ashok Gehlot has put the focus firmly on what has been whispered so far - the rift in the state BJP and rumblings among the party MLAs. “I can see a big split among them (BJP),” Gehot said on Sunday even as he sent a personal letter to all MLAs, cutting across party lines, urging them to back his government for the sake of state’s interests and democracy.
There were also indications of the state Congress actively wooing about seven Congress MLAs from among the 18 rebels who had joined hands with Sachin Pilot and were camping in Haryana. The CM said at Jaisalmer: “What is worrying BJP? They are herding their legislators to three-four places. I see a big split in them.”

BJP’s move to fly out select party MLAs for “safekeeping” has intensified buzz about the unhappiness of the Vasundhara Raje camp in the state BJP. The CM said BJP’s toppling bid was against the tradition of Rajasthan politics. Referring to ex-Speaker and Vasundhara Raje’s close associate Kailash Meghwal’s recent remark that the toppling bid was “unethical”, Gehlot said: “The tradition they (BJP leaders) are setting up is dangerous to democracy. BJP is trying to topple our government when we are making efforts to save lives amid the coronavirus crisis. There is anger about it in every home across the state.”

He asserted: “The victory will be ours, truth will win and our government will complete its five-year term.” While 18 BJP MLAs have been reportedly moved to Gujarat, there is a growing buzz about some other party MLAs, including Raje loyalists. “Heard, BJP had kept 2-3 charter flights ready but couldn’t get enough of their MLAs to board the flights,” a senior state Congress leader told ET.