Gehlot vs Pilot tiff may lead to Prez rule

Jaipur: Amid the ongoing crisis in Rajasthan and the silence adopted by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Speaker CP Joshi on around 92 resignations reportedly tendered by the MLAs, speculation was rife in the State whether it is heading towards the President's rule.

All eyes are on the Raj Bhavan as the BJP adopts the wait and watch approach regarding the political turmoil in Rajasthan where Gehlot vs Pilot deadlock refuses to end. The saffron party leaders are waiting for Speaker C P Joshi's next move, after which it may knock the door of Raj Bhavan.

BJP State president Satish Poonia has left for Delhi to attend a programme. However, there are chances that Rajasthan politics might be discussed with senior leaders. Meanwhile, deputy leader of Opposition of the Legislative Assembly Rajendra Rathod has said that when 90 per cent of the MLAs and ministers of the government have already resigned, the Chief Minister should call an emergency meeting and announce the dissolution of the Assembly. He further said that the opposition BJP is keeping an eye on the whole situation.

On Monday, both the State party president and deputy leader of opposition insisted that the Speaker should accept the resignations which have been given by the party MLAs.

BJP State president Satish Poonia said, "If the Congress MLAs resigned voluntarily and consciously, then Assembly Speaker C P Joshi should have accepted it; the people of the State are suffering due to the discord in Congress." Speaking on former deputy CM Pilot, he said, "BJP's door is not closed for Sachin Pilot. The final decision on this will be taken by the party high command. If such a situation arises, then the party high command will take a decision on it."

Meanwhile deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Rathore said, "The ball is still in the Speaker's court. The Congress MLAs resigned in front of him. It is clearly written in the rules and procedures of the Assembly that if the resignation is given by the member of the Assembly himself, then the Speaker of the Assembly should accept it. The day the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly will accept those resignations according to his duty then the BJP will proceed to take any decision. Before this, we have been watching this endless game of Congress."

He also praised Pilot and said, "I would appreciate him (Pilot) for not making any false statement for the last one-and-a-half years. Whether he was called 'nikamma', 'nakara', he was also called 'Jaichand', despite this he kept his patience and remained silent."

When 90% of the MLAs and ministers of the government have already resigned, the Chief Minister should call an emergency meeting and announce the dissolution of the Assembly. BJP is keeping an eye on the whole situation

- Rajendra Rathod, BJP MLA