The Rajasthan BJP has decided to move a no-confidence motion against Ashok Gehlot government as the state assembly convenes on Friday. "There are a lot of differences in the government. The way they have struggled, there are chances that they might bring a vote of confidence in the assembly, but we are also ready to bring a no-confidence motion," BJP state president Satish Punia said after a legislature party meeting on Thursday.
The BJP convened the legislature party meeting at the party headquarters in Jaipur ahead of the crucial assembly session. Former chief minister Vasundhara Raje was also present at the meeting.
Speculations are rife that the Gehlot government might themselves opt for a vote of confidence to prove to the public that it still has the majority and has settled the differences for the time being.
Meanwhile, in a shot in the arm for the Gehlot government, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to pass an interim order against the merger of six BSP MLAs with the Congress in Rajasthan. This paves way for the BSP MLAs to attend the assembly session and take part in voting, if necessary.
In addition, the Congress has also revoked the suspension of rebel leaders Bhanwar Lal Sharma and Vishvendra Singh ahead of the legislature party meeting on Thursday. The Congress had suspended the duo, claiming they were involved in a conspiracy to bring down the the government in the state.
Now, with the SC booster dose and revoking of the suspension of the MLAs, the chances of Gehlot going in for a show of strength on Friday also remains high.
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is all set to meet at 5pm on Thursday at the chief minister's residence in Jaipur. The meeting will be the first after the Congress announced that it has settled its differences with the Sachin Pilot camp. All eyes will be on Gehlot and Pilot as they come face-to-face for the first time after the latter revolted against the CM in public.
