Ashok Gehlot-led Congress govt in Rajasthan plunges into crisis

The Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan has plunged into crisis after Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot declared open rebellion. Mr Pilot claimed that the Gehlot government has been reduced to a minority as over 30 Congress MLAs are supporting him.

In a statement, Mr Pilot said some independent MLAs have pledged their support to him. Mr Pilot said he will not attend the Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduled to be held today. Mr Pilot had been incommunicado for about two days.

Pilot's supporters said he is camping in Delhi and is upset



over a notice sent to him by Rajasthan police. The notice from the Special Operations Group (SOG) has sought time from him to record a statement on an alleged plot to topple the Gehlot government. Pilot supporters say the notice is meant to humiliate him.

Mr Gehlot had on Saturday alleged that the opposition BJP is trying to lure Congress MLAs to topple the state government.

The BJP has dismissed the claim, saying the recent developments only reflected a power struggle between Mr Gehlot and Mr Pilot.