Madhya Pradesh crisis: Is the Congress government going to fall?
What's the story
In a major setback to the Congress party, its government in Madhya Pradesh looks in peril after a string of resignations from party legislators.
Reportedly, after Congress heavyweight Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned from the party, 22 party MLAs in the state also tendered their resignations.
The resignations are significant and could result in the Congress government's ouster.
Here's what the state Assembly would look like.
MLAs
22 MLAs resigned in 230-seat MP Assembly
Reportedly, 22 Congress MLAs have tendered their resignations after Scindia jumped ship.
If all their resignations get accepted, the Kamal Nath-led government could fall.
The Congress has 120 MLAs in the MP Assembly, just four above the majority mark of 116.
The Legislative Assembly has 230 seats and the current strength is 227—two MLAs died, while one was suspended.
Information
Congress to lose majority if resignations get accepted
With the departure of the 22 Congress MLAs, the Assembly strength would drop to 205 and the majority mark would come down to 103. This would cause the Congress to lose majority, as their strength slips to 98. The BJP notably has 107 MLAs.
Scindia’s resignation
Scindia resigned citing work-related concerns
It was reported earlier in the day that Scindia, a former Congress MP, had resigned from the party.
Scindia later tweeted his resignation letter—dated March 9—saying he felt unable to serve the people of his state and country while in Congress.
He also held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, sparking speculation that he would switch to BJP.
Twitter Post
You can view Scindia's resignation letter here
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) March 10, 2020
Mass resignation
17 Congress MLAs flown to BJP-ruled Karnataka
Tensions were rife on Monday when reports emerged that 17 Congress MLAs were flown to Bengaluru in BJP-ruled Karnataka.
Former CM Digvijaya Singh said the BJP had arranged three chartered planes for the MLAs.
Reportedly, 22 MLAs, including six Ministers, have since resigned.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary said, "I don't think our government in Madhya Pradesh will survive."
MLAs who quit
Who are the MLAs, Ministers who resigned from Congress?
The Ministers who have resigned include Tulsi Silawat, Govind Singh Rajput, Dr. Prabhuram Choudhry, Imarti Devi, Pradyumna Singh Tomar and Mahendra Singh Sisodia.
MLAs who resigned include Manoj Choudhary, Hardeep Singh Dang, Rajyavardhan Singh, Brajendra Singh Yadav, Jaspal Jajji, Suresh Dhakad, Jaswant Jatav, Raksha Santram Sironia, Munnalal Goyal, Ranveer Singh Jatav, OPS Bhadoria, Kamlesh Jatav, Giriraj Dandotiya, Raghuraj Kansana, Aidalsingh Kansana, and Biasahulal Singh.