LIVE: Congress calls for another CLP meet today

05:20 July 14

ED, IT raids on people close to Gehlot

The Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate teams raided multiple premises connected with people from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's camp.

According to IT Department officials, the team involving over 300 officials carried out searches at over 43 locations in Delhi, Rajasthan and Mumbai.

Searches were conducted in the offices of veteran state Congress leaders, including Rajeev Arora and Dharmendra Rathod, considered close to the Chief Minister, an IT department official said.

21:08 July 13

Congress accuses BJP of horse trading

With a majority of 109 for the Congress Government in Rajasthan under Ashok Gehlot, all our MLAs gave their support letter. They have failed BJP's attempts:Randeep Surjewala, Congress

To discuss political situation another Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meet will be held here at 10 am on Tuesday. We request Sachin Pilot & all MLAs to come, we'll also give them in writing. We've requested them to come & discuss the situation:RS Surjewala, Congress.

20:25 July 13

20:23 July 13

Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) issues letter to its two MLAs to abstain in the event of a trust vote in the assembly. These two MLAs had earlier supported the Ashok Gehlot led government in Rajasthan.

19:28 July 13

Some Rajasthan Congress MLAs return home from Manesar hotel

Some of the Congress MLAs from Rajasthan who were staying in a five-star hotel in Manesar as they favoured Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot in his tussle with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have now returned home, sources said on Monday.

According to sources, these MLAs had supported Pilot on a leadership change in the state, but on reaching the hotel, were allegedly told that the Gehlot government would have to be dislodged, and a new dispensation led by the BJP comes in its place.

However, some of them were not keen on this as they wanted to change the Chief Minister but not join the BJP.

There was no definitive information on the number of MLAs that had returned or were staying back.

18:52 July 13

Congress MLAs inside Fairmont Hotel

Congress MLAs taken to Hotel Fairmont in Jaipur after the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence earlier today. Visuals of MLAs Madan Prajapat, Amit Chachan, Ganesh Ghogra and others, inside the hotel.

18:51 July 13

Sachin Pilot's posters put up again at PCC office in Jaipur

17:44 July 13

BJP demands floor test

17:40 July 13

I am with Sachin Pilot, says Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Ramesh Meena

Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Ramesh Meena (FILE PHOTO)

17:38 July 13

Around 20 MLAs didn't attend the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting held at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence today.

17:36 July 13

 Sources close to Sachin Pilot:  Ashok Gehlot government doesn’t have numbers they claim. CM’s back garden isn't the place to prove majority, it’s done in Assembly. If they have numbers as claimed then why not do a headcount, take them to Guv instead of moving them to the hotel?

16:47 July 13

MLAs arrive at Hotel Fairmont in Jaipur, after CLP meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence

16:13 July 13

Rajasthan minister takes to Twitter to show Pilot's struggle

Rajasthan Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh on Monday posted a collage of four photos on his Twitter handle, showing state Deputy CM Sachin Pilot's struggle.  

The photos appear to have been taken during various protests and in one of these, Pilot is seen bleeding.  

The collage has no caption and was posted apparently to show the Pilot's struggle and seek sympathy.  

Singh is considered close to Pilot and had skipped the Congress Legislature Party meeting at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence here on Monday.  

 Prior to the meeting, he tweeted, With an ailing family member in Delhi.  

 In another tweet, he said, Whatever my decision, it will be in the interest of the people who have elected me.

15:42 July 13

A resolution passed at CLP meet: This ripping off of democracy by BJP is an insult to 8 Cr people of Rajasthan, they'll not accept it. CLP meet expresses its confidence in Congress President Sonia Gandhi and leader Rahul Gandhi, and unanimously supports the govt led by Ashok Gehlot.

This meet urges that strict disciplinary action be taken against any office-bearer or member of Legislative Party who indulges in activities against the Congress govt, party or gets involved in any conspiracy. 

15:27 July 13

Buses, carrying MLAs, leave from the residence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot after the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting concluded. They are being taken to the Fairmont hotel. One of the MLAs says, "All is well."

15:20 July 13

Rahul, Priyanka in touch with Pilot, trying to placate him: Sources

Top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, are in touch with Sachin Pilot and are trying to placate him, a day after the Rajasthan Deputy CM declared open rebellion against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, sources said on Monday.

Pilot has claimed that the Ashok Gehlot government is in minority and that he has the support of over 30 MLAs in the 200-member Assembly.

 According to sources, top Congress leaders have talked to Pilot and have asked him not to rebel against the chief minister. They also assured him that his grievances would be redressed at the party level.

Besides Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, other Congress leaders who are learnt to have spoken with Pilot are Ahmed Patel, former Union finance minister P Chidambaram and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal. 

15:14 July 13

Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting has now concluded. 

15:12 July 13

Buses are seen outside the residence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jaipur.  

Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting is underway here, 107 MLAs present at the meet.

15:09 July 13

Jaipur: A day after Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot claimed that the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan has turned into a minority government after some MLAs went with him, Chief Minister Gehlot on Monday showed a united force at the Legislature Party meeting throwing the show open to media claiming around 100 MLAs were still by his side.

As Gehlot managed to put up a brave face and paraded all MLAs in front of the media, the Pilot camp remained out of sight.

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala clearly told the media that there was "No scope for personal ambition in the Congress party". However, he added that the oldest party has its doors open for Pilot and his MLAs. "If anyone gets annoyed in the family, the family head tries to resolve the issue. So am I here on behalf of our leader Sonia Gandhi to ensure our party is united".

The Congress MLAs gathered at the Chief Minister's Residence here "exuded confidence" that their government is in safe hands. There was sloganeering and Victory signs flashed at the media.

Gehlot along with other ministers even shouted in unison: "We stand together".

15:09 July 13

According to the sources, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Ahmed Patel had a word with Sachin Pilot.

14:43 July 13

According to CM Ashok Gehlot's media advisor, 107 MLAs are present at the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Rajasthan's Jaipur.

13:35 July 13

Jaipur:Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress leaders and party MLAs show victory sign, as they gather at CM's residence in Jaipur.

13:05 July 13

Uma Bharti holds Rahul Gandhi responsible for political crisis in Rajasthan

Uma Bharti holds Rahul Gandhi responsible for political crisis in Rajasthan

Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti said, "Rahul Gandhi is responsible for what's happening now in Rajasthan and what happened in Madhya Pradesh. He doesn't allow young leaders in Congress to grow. He feels that if educated and able leaders like Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sachin Pilot get high posts then he'll be left behind. 

12:04 July 13

Rajasthan Congress leaders question timing of I-T raids

Rajasthan government chief Mahesh Joshi on Monday condemned the income tax raids on premises linked to two Congress leaders.

Joshi was speaking to reporters outside the residence of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot where a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party has been convened.

"I condemn this. The raids are uncalled for and intended at threatening but we are not going to be distracted or scared by this," he said.

"Entire country is watching this," Joshi added.

The premises are linked to Congress leaders Rajiv Arora and Dharmendra Rathore.  

Cooperative Minister Udailal Anjana also questioned the timing of the raids.

"This was done to create pressure. It apparently looks like leaders who are sitting in Delhi are behind these raids," he said.

The Income Tax Department is conducting searches in four cities, including Delhi and Jaipur, in connection with a tax evasion case against a Rajasthan-based jewellery group.

Official sources, however, refused to comment on reports claiming that the searches were linked to the current political crisis in the state.

11:55 July 13

Randeep Surjewala:I appeal to all Congress MLAs that people have voted for Congress to lead a stable govt in the state, so all MLAs should take part in the Congress Legislative Party meeting today and make our govt in the state stronger.

If anyone, be at any post or profile, has any problem, they must come forward and mention the issue on the party forum. We will work to resolve it together and keep our govt intact in the state. 

Over the last 48 hours, Congress leadership has spoken to Sachin Pilot a number of times about the present political situation.

11:54 July 13

State Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas: "The beginning of the end of BJP govt at the Centre will start from Rajasthan. People of Rajasthan want govt led by CM Ashok Gehlot to complete its full term.  115 MLAs were with us last night, now 109 are with us. We're winning the number game."

11:38 July 13

Sachin Pilot's poster removed from Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office

 In a harsh reality tap amid the ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan, Pradesh Congress Committee President Sachin Pilot's posters were removed from outside the state headquarters premise on Monday.

Congress officials said that there are chances of a new PCC Chief being announced soon.

Rajasthan in-charge, Avinash Pandey said that it is mandatory for all Congress MLAs to attend the party legislature meeting. "Those absent shall be dealt with disciplinary action." 

Congress leaders from Gehlot camp are also planning to go for camping in a private resort soon after the CLP meeting ends, confirmed Congress officials adding that we want our numbers to stand intact and hence comes the camping.

11:07 July 13

Over 90 MLAs at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence in Jaipur, for Congress Legislative Party meeting. The meeting has started.

10:33 July 13

I-T raids at residences of Ashok Gehlot's close aides

The Rajasthan political crisis took a new turn on Monday when income tax investigators raided on premises belonging to people from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's camp. 

Searches were underway in offices of veteran state Congress leaders, including Rajeev Arora and Dharmendra Chaudhary too. Unaccounted cash, jewellery, property papers and lockers were seized. The team also reached Bhilwara and Jhalawad and carried out searches, officials said.

Congress has postponed its Legislature Party meeting by half an hour to 11 a.m. Around 74 MLAs have reached the Chief Minister's Residence. Party Whip Mahesh Joshi said that the BJP is "misusing agencies for its self fulfilling goals".

10:07 July 13

A meeting of Congress Legislative Party scheduled to be held at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence today.

09:50 July 13

Congress MLA Mahender Chaudhary: "All our Congress MLAs & our alliance MLAs are with CM Ashok Gehlot; all of them will be attending the meeting of Congress Legislative Party today. BJP will not be successful in its attempts to topple Congress govt in Rajasthan."

09:49 July 13

Congress ready to listen to Pilot, but indiscipline will not be tolerated

Rajasthan Congress in-charge Avinash Pandey:Congress President Sonia Gandhi has specially assigned me a work saying that if any Congress MLA or any alliance MLA have any problem or want to discuss their problem, they can come and talk to me and we can work on it. Party is ready to listen to Pilot but within a frame of discipline.

I've tried to speak to him (Sachin Pilot) and have also sent messages to him but he hasn't replied yet.

He isn't above the party. The party is ready to listen to him but no indiscipline will be tolerated. I'm hoping he'll turn up for the meeting.

09:33 July 13

Rajasthan CLP meet: 16 Cong MLAs yet to reach Jaipur 

With the Congress Legislative Party meeting scheduled for 10.30 AM today, 16 Congress MLAs are yet to reach Jaipur.

According to sources, these MLAs are Rakesh Paarik, Murari Lal Meena, GR Khatana, Indraj Gujjar, Gajendra Singh, Harish Meena, Dependra Singh Shekhawat, Bhanwar Lal Sharma, Vijendra Ola, PR Meena, Ramesh Meena, Vishvendra Singh, Jahida Ramnivas Gavadia, Mukesh Bhakar, Hema Ram Chaudhary and Suresh Modi.

Sources said, if they do not come to attend the meeting, then disciplinary action is likely to be taken against them as stated by Congress' Avinash Pandey yesterday and it is possible that their membership could be cancelled.

09:16 July 13

Kailash Vijayvargiya Blames Rahul Gandhi For Rajasthan Crisis

BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has blamed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the ongoing political crisis in Rajasthan and said there is dissatisfaction in the Congress on the directionless politics of their leaders. He claimed that Congress workers feel cheated over Gandhi's stand on China and Pakistan.

Vijayvargiya alleged that Rahul Gandhi's statement on China and Pakistan makes the impression that he is not standing with India.

"If the workers of the Congress do not have faith in their leader, then such incidents will happen in all states, whether it is Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan or Maharashtra. Statements of Rahul Gandhi indicate that he doesn't stand with India. Sometimes it seems that he is standing with China and Pakistan, then the Congress worker feels cheated," he said.

"Those who worry about the country are suffocating in Congress, so this is happening in Rajasthan as well," he added.

When asked whether Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot will join BJP, Vijayvargiya said, "I am hearing this only through the media, I will not comment on it right now but there is dissatisfaction in Congress on the directionless politics of their leaders."

09:07 July 13

Congress leader KC Venugopal to reach Jaipur, Rajasthan today. Congress Legislature Party meeting to be held in Jaipur today.

09:01 July 13

Rajasthan Congress may appoint Raghuveer Meena as new state chief

Raghuveer Meena is likely to be appointed as new Congress state president in place of Sachin Pilot, sources said. 

07:02 July 13

Sachin Pilot to not attend CLP meeting today

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Sachin Pilot will not attend the legislative party meeting scheduled to be held today and has openly announced that the Ashok Gehlot-led govt in the state is in minority after over 30 Congress and some Independent MLAs pledged support to him.

06:11 July 13

Congress more concerned with saving government in Rajasthan rather than addressing public issues:  Rajyavardhan Rathore

Former union minister and BJP MP from Jaipur (Rural) Rajyavardhan Rathore on Sunday said that Congress party in the Rajasthan had brought its infighting out into the open and the party has always been more concerned with its "Sarkar Bachao Karyakram" (Save the government scheme rather than addressing the problems of the people.

While talking to media here during a voluntary blood donation camp organized in memory of soldiers who lost their lives in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, Rathore said, "It is surprising that the people who elected Congress party to power have been forgotten by them. The party is involved in internal infighting and now they have brought it out in open. They are always in news for their "Sarkar Bachao Karyakram" (Save the government schemes) and do not have the welfare of the public in mind."

The BJP leader also alleged that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot led Rajasthan government has betrayed people of the State.

"Congress could have solved their differences within themselves but instead they have reduced Rajasthan's politics to trash. 'Inhone Rajasthan ki Rajenneti ko Kachra Bana dia'" Rathore said.

05:04 July 13

BJP does not have any reason to rejoice, Cong govt will complete full term: Surjewala

Congress party led Rajasthan government will complete its five-year tenure and neither the BJP nor its allies have any reason to rejoice, senior Congress leader and spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said here after landing in Jaipur late on Sunday night.

"Congress party is united. It will be united and Congress party's government will complete its tenure by serving the people of Rajasthan in the same manner as it is doing now. There is no reason for BJP and its allies to rejoice without any reason," Surjewala told reporters. 

03:07 July 13

Rajasthan Congress issues whip to MLAs for CLP meeting today

Rajasthan Congress in-charge Avinash Pande said that the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) has issued a whip to its MLAs to attend a meeting on Monday in Jaipur, and will face disciplinary action if they absent themselves without mentioning a reason.

He further said that 109 MLAs have expressed their trust in the Rajasthan government led by chief minister Gehlot.

"A total of 109 MLAs have signed a letter expressing their trust and support to Rajasthan government led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and leadership of Sonia Gandhi ji and Rahul Gandhi ji," Pande said.

"A few more MLAs had telephonic conversations with the chief minister and they will also sign a letter of support till morning," he added.

00:24 July 13

Rajasthan govt on the verge of collapsing, says BJP leader Rathore 

Rajendra Singh Rathore, deputy leader of opposition in Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, said that the state government led by Ashok Gehlot is moving towards minority as its 3 dozens of MLAs are camping in Delhi.

"It has been proved that Gehlot government failed to take party along and now its all set to lose the power," he said.

He also said that Gehlot is blaming the BJP for this development because he actually is trying to deflect attention from the "internal rivalry" within Congress. 

22:42 July 12

Around 75 MLAs/ministers were present in the meeting today at Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot's residence.

According to reports, Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Ajay Maken are meeting with Gehlot to chalk out a strategy for tomorrow's meeting of Congress Legislative Party (CLP).

21:57 July 12

Sachin Pilot says Gehlot government is in minority

In an exclusive WhatsApp conversation retrieved by ETV Bharat, it has been confirmed that Sachin Pilot will not attend the legislative party meet called by CM Ashok Gehlot, which is scheduled to be held tomorrow.

"Ashok Gehlot government is in minority after over 30 Congress and some independent MLAs pledged support to Sachin Pilot," the official message read, in what appears to be an open announcement from Pilot camp.

According to sources, 30 Congress MLAs and some independent MLAs are in touch with Sachin Pilot and have pledged their support to him with whatever decision he takes.

The MLAs supporting Pilot cannot stand the repeated undermining of Pilot, also the state PCC chief, by the Gehlot camp and the letter by the police's special operations group (SOG) sent to the deputy chief minister was to "humiliate him", sources said.

Deputy Chief Minister Pilot, who is camping in Delhi with around 15 MLAs, has sought time from the Congress high command.

Pilot also had an elaborate discussion with Jyotiraditya Scindia, his former party colleague and friend, who recently jumped ship to the BJP after being sidelined in Madhya Pradesh by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath.

Pilot went to Delhi to meet interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. However, he received no communication from the party high command. In fact, Congress veterans, including Randeep Surjewala, Avinash Pandey and Ajay Makan, were asked to rush to Jaipur and hold a meeting of the party MLAs on Monday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Gehlot has called a dinner of the party MLAs on Sunday night, which is also termed as ‘dinner diplomacy'.

Three Congress MLAs, who had left for Delhi and were being counted among those in Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot's camp in the power tussle in Rajasthan, on Sunday said they will follow the party line. Addressing a press conference at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's home here, Rohit Bohra, Danish Abrar and Chetan Dudi called themselves "soldiers" of the party and said they will do whatever the top leadership tells them.

The legislators said their visit to Delhi was a routine affair and the media should not speculate over it. They added that it was the media that had created the Ashok Gehlot group and the Sachin Pilot group.

21:28 July 12

Sachin Pilot unlikely to attend Congress Legislative Party meeting 

According to sources close to Rajasthan Deputy CM, Sachin Pilot is unlikely to attend the meeting called by CM Ashok Gehlot in the presence of Congress observers.

Sources close to Pilot said that Ashok Gehlot government is in minority after over 30 Congress and some independent MLAs pledged support to Sachin Pilot.

18:19 July 12

Congress top brass to attend Gehlot's meeting 

Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Ajay Maken have been asked by the party leadership to reach Jaipur. Both the leaders along with Rajasthan party In-charge Avinash Pande will be present in the meeting scheduled at CM Ashok Gehlot's residence today.

18:00 July 12

Former Congress leader and now a BJP MP Jyotiraditya M. Scindia joins in the political slugfest as speculations remain rife over Sachin Pilot meeting his former party colleague in New Delhi.  

"Sad to see my erstwhile colleague, @SachinPilot too, being sidelined and persecuted by Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot. Shows that talent and capability find little credence in the INC," Scindia tweeted.

Scindia had left the Congress a few months back and joined the BJP as he believed that he was being marginalised by senior party leaders in MadhyaPradesh.

More than 20 MLAs supporting him also left the Congress, leading to the collapse of the Kamal Nath government in March following which the BJP returned to power in the state.

There has been speculation that Pilot, too, has been facing similar issues in Rajasthan.

17:56 July 12

Crisis should be shortlived: Singhvi

With its government in Rajasthan on the brink, Congress managers are looking for ways to call a truce between the warring camps led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said "There is a time and a place for everything. Gehlot and Pilot are seasoned leaders and have to demonstrate the perspicacity and maturity they are famous for. Turbulence should be shortlived and solutions lasting and deep."

Singhvi's remarks came amid the political crisis in the state after Deputy Chief Minister Pilot went incommunicado along with over a dozen MLAs.

17:54 July 12

Gehlot government will last its full term, says Avinash Pande

Congress General Secretary in-charge for Rajasthan Avinash Pande has said that all Congress MLAs are in touch and the government will last its full term. The development comes amid a political slugfest involving CM Gehlot and Dy CM Pilot.

Avinash Pande also said that Pilot still remains out of touch with Congress leaders in the state.  

"Trying to reach out to Sachin Pilot. Have left messages for him Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been updated on recent developments," Pande said.

17:25 July 12

'Rebel' Cong MLAs camping at Maneser hotel ?

Twelve Congress legislators of Rajasthan, who have put the Ashok Gehlot government in quandary after reportedly deciding to extend support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are camping at ITC Grand Bharat, the five-star hotel in Maneser of the Gurugram district.

According to a top BJP source in Haryana, they belonged to the Sachin Pilot group. Around 40 BJP legislators have also been lodged in the same hotel as the top leadership feels they are vulnerable and may go with the Congress.

17:16 July 12

Sachin Pilot seeks time to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi

According to sources, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and 25 MLAs in his camp are looking forward to meeting with interim president Sonia Gandhi. About a dozen MLAs are staying at ITC Grand in Gurugram and some are staying at ITC Maurya in Delhi. Meanwhile, Pilot has gone incommunicado.

According to sources, MLA P.R. Meena had also demanded to meet Sonia Gandhi to apprise her about the developments inside the Gehlot administration. 

16:45 July 12

'Madhya Pradesh' won't repeat here, says minister

Youth affairs minister Ashok Chandna said that there won't be a repeat of Madhya Pradesh in the state as Gehlot government has endured such poaching bids during the Rajya Sabha elections also.

16:04 July 12

Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Whip, some other ministers and MLAs have received notices from SOG to record their statements in connection with Congress Legislative Party's complaint regarding horse-trading by BJP. It is not appropriate to present it differently by some media outlets: Rajasthan CM tweets on political crisis

16:03 July 12

MLAs supporting Pilot find it 'untenable' to work under Gehlot

Sources close to Sachin Pilot on Sunday said the letter asking the deputy chief minister to appear for questioning in a probe into alleged attempts to destabilize his own government has "crossed all limits" and made it "untenable" for those MLAs supporting him to work under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

The MLAs supporting Pilot cannot stand the repeated undermining of Pilot, also the state PCC chief, by the Gehlot camp and the letter by the police's special operations group (SOG) sent to the deputy chief minister was to "humiliate him", sources told PTI.          

Pilot is in Delhi, and MLAs supporting him have resolved that they cannot work under Gehlot's chief ministership after the letter was served to "publicly discredit" the PCC chief, sources said and asserted that there were problems before also but this letter has crossed all limits and such humiliation cannot be tolerated.

15:12 July 12

CM Gehlot calls meeting with MLAs, ministers

Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot calls a meeting of party MLAs and ministers in Jaipur tonight as crisis deepens.

Several ministers and MLAs visited Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s home on Sunday, indicating support to him amid speculation over a widening rift with his deputy Sachin Pilot.

Some Congress MLAs, considered close to Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who also heads the state Congress unit, have gone to Delhi, sources said.

The posturing comes amid allegations by Gehlot that the BJP is trying to lure Congress MLAs to topple the state government.

The BJP has dismissed the claim, saying the developments reflect a power struggle between Gehlot and Pilot, simmering since the Congress leadership in Delhi picked the more senior leader for the CM’s post.

Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary, Labour Minister Tikaram Jully, Health minister Raghu Sharma were among those who visited the chief minister’s residence here.

The crisis surfaced on Friday when the Rajasthan Police issued notices to Gehlot, Pilot and the government chief whip, seeking time from them to record their statements over an alleged bid to topple the state’s Congress government.

Sources close to Pilot said the letter from the special operations group (SOG) had upset the Rajasthan Congress chief, who apparently saw this as a snub.

14:04 July 12

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal posted a tweet expressing concern about the party affairs

As the Congress found itself amid a crisis over the survival of its government in Rajasthan, senior party leader Kapil Sibal on Sunday wondered aloud if the party leadership will wake up once the damage has been done.

"Worried for our party. will we wake up only after the horses have bolted from our stables?" the former Union Minister tweeted.

13:22 July 12

SOG issues notice to Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot

Special Operations Group (SOG) of Police wrote to Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot seeking his availability for recording his statement in connection with the alleged attempts to topple Congress government in the state.

12:04 July 12

12 MLAs shifted to hotel in Gurugram's Manesar

Amid the political turmoil in Rajasthan, around 12 MLAs from Rajasthan rushed to the ITC Grand Bharat Hotel, located near Manesar, Gurugram, on Saturday evening. There are reports that these MLAs may visit Delhi on Sunday to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

09:51 July 12

Pilot in Delhi, seeks time to meet Congress chief

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has arrived in Delhi to meet party high command and has sought time for a meeting with Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi, sources said on Sunday.

The sources said that at least a dozen MLAs said to be from Pilot's camp are also staying put in NCR-Delhi region at various places. Pilot had come to Delhi on Saturday.

According to the sources, MLA P.R. Meena, considered to be a member from the Pilot group, had sought to meet Sonia Gandhi to apprise her of the "step-motherly treatment given to them by the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan".

23:43 July 11

Sachin Pilot arrives Delhi with 25 MLAs

Deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot has reached Delhi. 

As per sources, around 25 Rajasthan MLAs - allegedly supporters of Pilot, have also reached Delhi. 

22:40 July 11

Dy CM Pilot skips meeting

According to the latest update, the meeting is going on at CM Gehlot's residence. However, Dy CM Sachin Pilot, Vishwendra Singh and Ramesh Meena reportedly skipped the meeting.  

21:18 July 11

LIVE: Congress calls for another CLP meet today

Jaipur: After Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday alleged that BJP is trying to topple Congress government and making attempts to destabilise it, Gehlot summoned all his ministers at his residence late tonight.

According to the party sources, a meeting would be held at 9:30 pm. Earlier, the meeting was scheduled at 8:30 pm. 

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.

Urban Development and Housing Minister Shanti Dhariwal, Health Minister Raghu Sharma, Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Labour Minister Tikaram Jully, among others, visited Gehlot.

Apart from Congress MLAs, Independent MLAs also met the chief minister.

Khachariyawas said that BJP's conspiracy has been exposed and they will not be successful in fulfilling their agenda of toppling the state government.

Attacking BJP for poaching MLAs in various states, Gehlot said, "They exercise their power in every state and had attempted to topple the government 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."