House session has raised prices: Rajasthan CM

JAIPUR: In a fresh tirade loaded with bombshells and allusions,

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

on Thursday claimed that the announcement of a

special assembly session

from August 14 had overnight jacked up the “prices” being allegedly offered to switch loyalties “from Rs 25 crore each” to “unlimited” cash.

“After the governor declared the date on Wednesday, phones started ringing with fresh offers. I don’t know how many have received the first instalment, but those who haven’t should return (home),” Gehlot told reporters in a thinly veiled reference to the MLAs siding with his sacked deputy Sachin Pilot.

Without directly naming the party or individual allegedly throwing cash to buy the dissident MLAs, Gehlot said after a CLP meeting that he had information about an initial payment of Rs 10 crore each and a still-to-be-paid second tranche of Rs 15 crore.

Path to reconciliation just a discussion away: Gehlot

Jaipur: “The offer is now unlimited. And we all know who is behind this horse-trading of MLAs.”

On Pilot and Co staying away from yet another CLP meeting, Gehlot said, “Some of our MLAs are not returning (from Manesar in Haryana). May god grant them wisdom.”

The CM, however, reiterated that the path to reconciliation was just a discussion away, following up on his remark at a PCC event on Wednesday that all would be forgiven if the dissidents apologised to the high command. “If they have any grievance, they should have gone to the AICC or the PCC, but they are sitting there (in Manesar). They should come for the meetings, now that we have even called the assembly. They have been elected on the Congress symbol — so it is their duty to be seen standing with the government. Why are they playing on BJP's lap?”

Gehlot said the dissidents could face disqualification under the anti-defection law even if they didn't join BJP, referring to Pilot's assertion that he wasn't joining the saffron party. “Some people say they will not join BJP. If you are not going to BJP but forming a third front or indulging in conspiracies, it means you are voluntarily quitting your party,” the CM said.

While Gehlot didn't take names when alleging that crores of rupees were being offered to MLAs to switch sides, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat again cropped up as he accused BJP of conspiring to topple elected governments. “People have been following PM Narendra Modi, but his men, including Shekhawat, are conspiring to topple governments.” Gehlot said. “Shekhawat is yet to resign, while under the UPA-II, ministers who faced allegations promptly stepped down. At a time when WHO has warned about Covid-19 spreading even more, the priority should be to save lives and not topple governments.”

The CM alleged that the “delay” in convening the special assembly session was part of the horse-trading conspiracy. Tearing into BSP chief Mayawati for accusing him of “stabbing my party in the back” by luring away her six MLAs in Rajasthan, Gehlot said even she was acting at the behest of BJP. “If BJP takes away four TDP MPs in the Rajya Sabha overnight, it is justified. But if six MLAs in Rajasthan merge with Congress, it is unjustified? Mayawati fears BJP; so she is making such statements.”