Jaipur, Aug 1 (UNI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said if Congress high command forgives rebel MLAs, then he has no problem in accepting them.
"If high command forgives, then I will hug them (rebels). Congress party has given so much. I have remained chief minister for three times. I am loyal to my party and will do whatever it wants," Mr Gehlot stated in Jaisalmer.
Mr Gehlot on Saturday morning returned to the state capital Jaipur, after an overnight stay in Hotel Suryagarh in Jaisalmer where his loyalist were shifted on Friday morning from Fairmount hotel in the outskirts of Jaipur, in an attempt to prevent poaching and keep MLAs intact till the commencement of Assembly session from August 14.
"Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to play a big game. They have tasted blood after toppling the governments in several states. Since, Governor's order for assembly session, they have increased horse-trading rates. But in Rajasthan, they will not succeed," the Chief Minister alleged.
Mr Gehlot said he has informed everything to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged his intervention to save the democracy.
On BJP's questioning the shifting of MLAs if they are loyal, Mr Gehlot said," They (BJP leaders in Rajasthan) are new in politics."
He questioned why Vasundhara Raje, former chief minister and senior BJP leader, is mute on developments. "Where is she?, he asked.
He said though MLAs will be staying at Jaisalmer Hotel but still they are free move. "They are not in cage like rebels in Manesar hotel. They will visit a temple and tour places in Jaisalmer and free to go wherever they want."
As per sources, the MLAs have been asked to remain in Jaisalmer till August 14.
Talking about COVID-19, Mr Gehlot said he will today write a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to convene another video-conference as the number of cases are rising.
"Though cases are rising in Rajasthan, but situation is totally under control. We are conducting over 25,000 tests daily, but look at other states with low level of testing," he said.
Since, 19 Congress MLAs, including former Sachin Pilot, rebelled against Mr Gehlot leadership and left the desert state for Manesar Hotel in BJP-ruled Haryana, Gehlot loyalists were holed up in Fairmout hotel in the outskirts of the pink city.
Fearing anymore movement of the legislative, Mr Ghelot government repeatedly asked Governor Kalraj Mishra for bringing the Assembly in session urgently to "claim majority" which was accepted by the Governor on Thursday night.
Retaining majority in the House is not only crucial for Mr Gehlot, who has been challenged by Mr Pilot, but also for the Congress, as it recently lost Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh in the same manner.
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