Jaipur, Jul 30 (UNI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot here on Thursday alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party is now offering "unlimited" money to Congress MLAs for leaving the party as the Governor has accepted the proposal to convene an Assembly session from August 14.
"Since last night, when the Governor accepted the proposal for the calling the Assembly, the BJP has raised its offer from Rs 25 crore to an unlimited amount. They (BJP) are continuously calling my MLAs on phone and asking their demand. But we are united and will fight together," Mr Gehlot told reporters here.
On Wednesday night, dust settled in the desert state as Governor C P Joshi finally accepted the proposal of Gehlot-led Congress government for calling the House from August 14.
"I am happy that Governor accepted our demand. We will conduct a floor test and once again prove our majority. Our people are suffering from this political turmoil," the Chief Minister said.
Training guns against the BJP, he alleged that Centre was continuously putting pressure on the Governor to stick to 21 days advance notice demand so that they (BJP) can buy more time for horse-trading.
"The number of rebels are not enough to topple my government. So they want to buy more or think of other alternative like floating a new party before August 14," Mr Gehlot alleged.
He again made an appeal to rebels to return to the state and rejoin his fold.
"I know some of you (rebels) want to come. You all are welcome. Even those who have taken first installment (horse-trading) and can return the money and turn back. Hotel is not a place to express grudges. Meet high command in Delhi and express your issues," Mr Gehlot stated.
He reminded the rebels that they won the election of Congress symbol and owe a responsibility to their constituency.
On BJP going to High Court against the merger of Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs with Congress, Mr Gehlot said, "When four Rajya Sabha Telegu Desam Party (TDP) members merged with the BJP, then it was okay. But when BSP MLAs merged with Congress in Rajasthan, BJP is having a problem."
Mr Gehol also stated that he was disappointed with Ms Mayawati issuing a whip to its MLAs to not to support Congress during the floor test. The BSP chief has stated that she wants to teach a lesson to Mr Gehlot for 'taking' her MLAs.
"Mayawati's allegations are completely baseless. All six MLAs joined the Congress. It was a merger of a party. Had two or three joined, then it would had been illegal," Mr Gehlot claimed.
Mr Gehlot alleged that it was the voice of the BJP behind Mayawati's allegations.
"I know, she (Mayawati) is threatened by the Centre from the ED or CBI raid if she does not support them," the Chief Minister alleged.
Earlier in the day, the Mr Gehlot held a Congress Legislature Party meeting in Fairmount hotel and appealed his supporters to remain united till August 14.
Mr Gehlot has maintained that he has 100-plus MLAs to retain majority in 200-member Assembly.
As many as 19 MLAs, including former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, are away from the desert state and holed up in Manesar hotel in BJP-ruled Haryana.
UNI PS JW2144