Jaipur: The Special Operations Group (SOG) probing the alleged MLA poaching bid by the BJP in Rajasthan is all set to record the statement of Congress Chief Whip in the state Assembly, Mahesh Joshi.
According to SOG sources, an FIR has been registered following the complaint by the Congress. The SOG has formed a specialised cell to look into the alleged attempts of horse-trading in the state.
Ahead of Rajya Sabha polls to three seats in the state, the ruling Congress party had moved nearly 100 Congress and independent MLAs, amid allegations that the BJP was trying to poach its legislators.
The complaint letter reportedly includes phone numbers given by the government. A series of calls were made from these numbers to Congress legislators offering money to break away from the ruling party. All the numbers have been put under surveillance by SOG.
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According to reports, Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau and SOG are investigating the allegations after Congress Chief Whip Mahesh Joshi wrote to Director General of ACB alleging that attempts are being made to destabilise the State Government by luring his party's MLAs and independent MLAs who support the government.
Earlier, the emergency response team of the Rajasthan SOG was seen conducting random checks on vehicles coming from Delhi. This assumes significance as investigation moves ahead based on a complaint by the state government.
For three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan, the Congress has fielded two candidates, while BJP's two candidates have filed nominations.In the assembly of 200, the Congress has 107 MLAs, including six those who defected to the party from the BSP last year.
The party enjoys the support of 12 of the 13 Independent MLAs in the state. The BJP has 72 MLAs and enjoys the support of three Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MLAs.
The Congress has more than enough majority for the victory of both of its candidates.
