Rajasthan BJP shifts MLAs to Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR: Ahead of the Rajya Sabha election earlier this year, the Gujarat Congress had shifted its MLAs to Rajasthan, a Congress-ruled state, to prevent poaching by the BJP. Less than two months later, the BJP on Saturday moved about 20 of its Rajasthan MLAs to Gujarat — which it rules — as it fears they will be wooed by the Congress.
Although exact numbers were unavailable, sources said that ten to twelve BJP MLAs have been housed at a private golf club on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.The rest have been taken toaprivate resort near Sasan Gir.
The Gujarat BJP has arranged the MLAs’ stay and has also planned a visit for them to Somnath temple on Sunday.
They will be kept under the surveillance of Gujarat Police and the state BJP before being taken to Jaipur ahead of the crucial assembly session.
A source aware of the developments said, “MLAs from Udaipur, Dungarpur and other districts adjoining Gujarat have been asked to stay in Gujarat till further notice.” He went on to say: “Others have been brought to Gujarat on a special flight from Jaipur.”
According to sources, the MLAs who are put up at the golf club are Narayan Singh Deval, Jasaram Garasiya, Jagsiram Koli, Harendra Ninama, Shobha Chauhan, Dharma Narayan Joshi, Babulal Kharadi, Ful Singh Meena, Gautamlal Meena, Amrutlal Meena, Kailash Meena, and Jashichand Meena. “Other MLAs were first taken to Ahmedabad, and then to Gir,” the source said.
The Gujarat BJP preferred not to comment on the unexpected arrival of Rajasthan BJP MLAs.
Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said, “All the dirty tactics of the BJP have failed in Rajasthan and its deceit has created a major rift within the party.” He went on to say: “Fearing a rebellion, the BJP has shifted its MLAs to Gujarat.”