Cong shifts 21 Gujarat MLAS to R’than resort ahead of RS polls

AHMEDABAD/JAIPUR: The Congress on Sunday shifted 21 of its Gujarat MLAS to a resort in Rajasthan and alleged that the BJP was indulging in horse-trading ahead of the June 19 polls for four Rajya Sabha seats.

After the resignations of three MLAS, the Congress, whose strength has been reduced to 65 in the 182-member House, had earlier shifted its legislators to three resorts in Rajkot, Ambaji in Banaskantha district and Anand in Gujarat to thwart any “poaching” bid.

However, a police complaint was on Sunday filed for alleged violation of lockdown norms against a resort in Rajkot district where the Congress had lodged some of its MLAS.

A party leader said that “21 Congress legislators are camping at a resort in Abu Road . More are about to come from North Gujarat on Monday”.

Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda hit out at the BJP government in Gujarat. “At a time when government should work to save lives of people from coronavirus, the government is using its machinery for threatening and horse trading of people’s representatives. Our MLAS are camping here to decide on future strategy,” he said.

The BJP has denied the allegations of horse-trading.

The Congress had in March also taken its MLAS to a resort in Jaipur after five party legislators resigned before the March 26 Rajya Sabha polls, which were subsequently postponed due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Gujarat Police registered an FIR against the owner and manager of Neelcity Resort in Rajkot under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) for opening the resort for Congress MLAS, in alleged violation of the lockdown notification which does not allow hotels and restaurants to open till Monday.

“They have been booked for flouting the lockdown notification by opening the resort,” University Road police station inspector R S Thakar said.