New Delhi: In a fresh political crisis in Rajasthan, 82 MLAs reached Speaker CP Joshi's residence with their resignation letters amid buzz over change in leadership in the state. According to reports, these MLAs, loyal to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, adopted the stand on Sunday evening, against the possibility of Congress leader and Gehlot’s bete noire Sachin Pilot taking over as the next chief minister.
It is to be noted that as CM Gehlot is all set to contest the Congress presidential election, speculations that the Congress central leadership may back Sachin Pilot for the top post have gained a fever pitch in the state.
Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, who is from the Gehlot faction, said that all the MLAs were angry and were resigning. "We are going to the party president for that. MLAs are upset that how can CM Ashok Gehlot take a decision without consulting them," news agency ANI him as saying.
He further said that said CM Gehlot should pay heed to the suggestions of the MLAs. "We have 92 MLAs with us," he said, adding, “10-15 MLAs are being heard while other MLAs are being neglected. Party doesn't listen to us, decisions are being taken without it.”
Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had made it very clear that one person can hold only one post. So, once Gehlot becomes the Congress President, he will have to resign as the Rajasthan chief minister.
While Gehlot has agreed to this, the MLAs loyal to him do not want Sachin Pilot to take over the top post.
As per reports, all the resignations were collected at the residence of Cabinet minister Shanti Dhariwal.