This story is from August 10, 2020

BJP directs MLAs to gather in Jaipur on August 11; likely to call for a floor test

Ahead of the special session at the Rajasthan Assembly which is scheduled to begin on August 14, the state BJP has directed its MLAs to gather in Jaipur on August 11.
BJP directs MLAs to gather in Jaipur on August 11; likely to call for a floor test
Image used for representational purpose
JAIPUR: Ahead of the special session at the Rajasthan Assembly which is scheduled to begin on August 14, the state BJP has directed its MLAs to gather in Jaipur on August 11.
With the aim to keep its flock together to ensure that none of its MLAs get poached and the party appears in the assembly with its full strength, the BJP lawmakers would be moved to a private hotel in Jaipur on August 11.
All the 72 MLAs of the party are expected to gather at 4 PM on that day for a meeting. The BJP is then likely to decide its future course of action on the basis of the High Court’s ruling on the merger of BSP MLAs which is also expected on the same day. Post-meeting the MLAs will be asked to stay put at the hotel till at least August 14.
Sources in the party confirmed that the BJP is likely to move a no-confidence motion against the Ashok Gehlot government, depending on the court’s verdict and the possibility of support from the rebel camp of the Congress, which is led by former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot.
“If the court puts a ban on allowing BSP MLAs to participate in assembly proceedings including the floor test, it will give us a perfect opportunity to call for a floor test. Also, if the Pilot camp MLAs remain absent during the floor test or pledge support to us, it will create a room for us to seek a floor test,” said a BJP party source.
The senior party leaders are not disclosing their cards and maintaining the entire exercise to be a normal phenomenon. “The party MLAs are called here to participate in the meeting which is a routine affair before every assembly session. Those who went to Gujarat due to harassment by the state government will also participate in the meeting,” said the deputy leader of opposition Rajendra Singh Rathore.
The party leaders may not be admitting their strategy in open but leaving enough hints of having a say in the political crises based on the constitutional provisions. Leader of opposition, Gulabchand Kataria said that their party and ally RLP together may be a way short of a majority but in event of government losing the majority mark, they can have a say on the situation. “Our total figure is 75 which can play a leading role if the situation turns favourable,” said Kataria. BJP has 72 MLAs and support of three RLP MLAs in the 200-seat assembly.
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