BJP trying to topple Cong govt in Rajasthan, says CM Ashok Gehlot

Alleging that BJP is trying to destabilise Congress government in Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the saffron party is offering crores of rupees to the legislators to switch their allegiances.

Jaipur:Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that BJP is trying to topple Congress government and making attempts to destabilise it.

"BJP is a shameless party and offering MLAs crores of rupees to switch allegiances. We must focus on fighting coronavirus and that is what we are doing but they (BJP) are trying to de-stabilise the government. It wasn't so during Vajpayee Ji's time but after 2014 there is pride and division on basis of religion. The party has become arrogant ever since it came to power and is making attempts to threaten democracy and promoting fascism," said the CM while addressing a media briefing.

The statement comes after a joint statement was issued on behalf of 24 Congress MLAs in which they alleged the BJP was trying to topple the Ashok Gehlot government in the state by 'luring' legislators, and that the top leadership of the saffron party was involved in the 'conspiracy'.

Attacking BJP for poaching MLAs in various states, Gehlot said, "They exercise their power in every state and had attempts to topple the govt in various states. In Maharashtra, BJP leader Devendra Fadanavis even took the oath and PM Modi congratulated him. They have tried to destabilise govt in Karnataka, Goa and Manipur too."

Commenting on Rajasthan BJP leaders, he added, "Leaders like Gulab Singh Katariya and Satish Poonia don't deserve Congress. They are indulged in political gimmicks to destabilise the government. Horse trading never happened in Rajasthan and the entire nation knows that, adding that the entire political scenario is like a slaughterhouse where BJP strikes a deal to lure the legislators.

READ: Rajasthan Cong MLAs allege BJP trying to topple Gehlot govt

"Audience will give a befitting reply to Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Modi for their arrogance. They used to speak of 'Congress Mukt Bharat' but now they are afraid of Congress. Government is stable in Rajasthan, it will complete its full term. We are engaged in preparations to win the next election," he said.

Earlier, the Congress MLAs in a joint statement had alleged that the BJP leadership is trying to "mislead" the Congress and supporting party MLAs by contacting and luring them in different manners.

"But Congress MLAs and legislators who are in support of the government will not let this attempt be successful," said the joint statement issued on behalf of 24 MLAs, and signed by chief whip Mahesh Joshi and deputy chief whip Mahendra Chaudhary.

The MLAs alleged that similar unsuccessful attempts of poaching Congress and the supporting MLAs were made during the Rajya Sabha polls last month, and the BJP is once again conspiring to weaken and topple the democratically-elected government in Rajasthan.

Ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats in the state last month, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and government chief whip Mahesh Joshi had alleged that the BJP was trying to poach Congress and other MLAs to destabilise the government.

Joshi had also filed complaints to special operations group (SOG) and the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) of Rajasthan Police, demanding inquiry and actions in the attempts.(With agency inputs)