Maharashtra: Scared of 'Operation Lotus', Congress shifts MLAs to Jaipur
What's the story
A day after Shiv Sena shifted its elected MLAs in Maharashtra to a hotel to prevent "poaching" by bitter ally BJP, Congress has reportedly done the same.
But the grand old party is being extra cautious as it has not sequestered its legislators to any hotel in Maharashtra, but to Rajasthan, the state it governs.
It seems "resort politics" will continue for days!
Context
How Maharashtra turned into Karnataka 2.0 despite clear mandate?
On October 24, when results of Maharashtra polls were announced, BJP got 105 seats and Sena 58. The next step would have been that both allies approach Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and stake claim to form the government.
However, after Sena demanded more power-share and a rotational Chief Minister arrangement, Maharashtra politics entered a stage of uncertainty.
Pertinently, the Assembly's duration ends tomorrow.
Allegations
MLAs might be unwinding in Jaipur, said Congress leader
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that BJP was trying to "pursue" its MLAs.
Further, he added Rs. 25-50 crore was being offered to MLAs by the saffron party.
Confirming that some of Congress MLAs are in Jaipur, he said, "Jaipur is a tourist spot... They may have gone to unwind after the hard work in elections."
Statement
Look at what BJP did in Maharashtra: Sachin Pilot
Separately, Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot slammed BJP for "what they have done" in Maharashtra.
"Their own ally the Shiv Sena is afraid of them. Afraid that BJP will poach their MLAs," he said.
Refusing to comment on MLAs being kept in Jaipur, Pilot said, "Question should be asked to BJP and Shiv Sena why they are trying to poach MLAs."
Statement
As crisis continues, Gadkari clarified he isn't meeting Thackeray
Faced with horse-trading allegations, BJP said it wasn't trying to pull MLAs from other parties.
Amid the crisis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's presence in the state sparked rumors. It was speculated Gadkari would meet Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, but he dismissed it.
"I am not meeting any politician today. I am here to attend a public function today evening," he reportedly said.
Details
Meanwhile, Sena taunted BJP should get "time" to form government
Meanwhile, Sena isn't stopping with its taunts. The party's firebrand leader Sanjay Raut said BJP, being the single-largest party, should get an opportunity to form the government.
"They should get not just 15 days, but one month to prove their majority in the Assembly," he said, and added that should BJP fail, others can form the government.
"The Sena can too," he went on.