Fearing problem, Rajasthan Congress to meet on Wed

Amid alleged resignation of Congress minister Lal Chand Kataria and the rumour of withdrawal of support by six Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLAs by being unhappy with the functioning of government in Rajasthan, the Congress party has called for a meeting in Jaipur headquarters on Wednesday.

The rumours of Agriculture minister resigning and BSP MLAs meeting Governor emerged a day after Congress chief Rahul Gandhi expressed his unhappiness towards chief minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot over the bad performance of the party in the state.

On Sunday evening, an alleged resignation of agriculture minister Lal Chand Kataria circulated on social media, titled press release, stating “taking moral responsibility of the party defeat”, he wished to “resign from cabinet”. However, both the Governor's office and CM's office did not confirm this.

The BSP MLAs sought time to meet the governor but the appointment failed to mature. According to a party source, the meeting was postponed as one of the MLAs could not manage to be there to meet the Governor. The party members of BSP have expressed unhappiness with Congress's functioning in Rajasthan right from the Alwar Gang rape case where there was allegedly delay in filing the FIR.

Meanwhile, a report was circulated in media over the statements of cooperative minister Udai Lal Anjana and food and civil supply minister Ramesh Meena demanding the "accountability” of the LS results.

Talking to media Meena expressed concern over the bureaucratic approach inside the party, emphasising that "a Congress worker needs to be heard."

Refuting Meena's charges, Congress spokesperson and transport minister Pratap Singh said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who will fix the accountability or introspect.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan BJP vice president Gyandev Ahuja said that the Ashok Gehlot government in the state will topple soon, as the BSP MLAs were unhappy. "If resignations continue, the Congress will become minority and government might fall,” he said.

Congress leader and Rajasthan election incharge Avinash Pande appleaed to the workers and leaders for maintaining calm. "A meeting will be held for introspecting elections results and all congressmen will get opportunity to express their opinions", Pandey told media.