The Rajasthan High Court has said Sachin Pilot and 18 other Congress rebels in the state cannot be disqualified by the Speaker at least till Tuesday. Team Pilot's challenge to disqualification notices from the Speaker will be heard again on Monday.
This morning, the Congress suspended two of the rebels alleging that they had been caught on tape conspiring with the BJP against their own government. The Congress also named Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who has called the audio "fake". Two police cases were filed on the allegations. Hours before the hearing, the Congress held a press conference where it released transcripts of alleged audio conversations of deal-making between rebel MLAs and the BJP to try and dislodge the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan.
"The Modi govt and BJP are conspiring' to grab power instead of fighting the coronavirus pandemic," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, reading out transcripts of audio conversations allegedly featuring rebel MLAs. "Sachin Pilot should clarify his stand," he added.
Ashok Gehlot has 109 MLAs on his side. The Chief Minister needs 101 MLAs to vote for him in the assembly to retain power.
Mr Pilot, on the other hand, claims at least 20 MLAs are with him. Some 16 were seen at a hotel in Manesar near Delhi, which has been the base station for Congress rebels.
The BJP has 73 MLAs and needs around 30 more to topple the government.
