Gehlot wins motion of confidence through voice vote in Assembly

The Congress government in Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot won the motion of confidence in the trust vote held on Friday (August 14) through voice.

Replying to the debate on the motion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised the BJP, accusing it again of trying to bring down his government. “I will not let the government topple at any cost even if you make all attempts,” he said.

During the debate, the opposition BJP accused the Gehlot camp of blaming it for the infighting within the Congress.

Sachin Pilot, who was sacked as deputy chief minister after he rebelled against Gehlot, intervened in the debate, saying he would fight for the party.

Assembly Speaker CP Joshi said the house has been adjourned till August 21.

Gehlot has the support of at least 107 MLAs in the 200-member House, while the opposition BJP has 72.

Earlier in the day, Gehlot had said it would be “a victory of truth” during the Assembly session. “As the Legislative Assembly session begins today, It would be the victory of the people of Rajasthan and the unity of our Congress MLAs, it would be a victory of truth: Satyamev Jayate,” he tweeted.

As the Legislative Assembly session begins today, It would be the victory of the people of #Rajasthan and the unity of our Congress MLAs, it would be a victory of truth: Satyamev Jayate.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 14, 2020

Gehlot further said he would have been able to prove his majority without the support from the 19 rebel MLAs, but added that “it wouldn’t have made them happy”.

A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting headed by the Chief Minister was held on Thursday (August 13) to plan a strategy for the special session of the Assembly.

After nearly a month-long political crisis, the meeting was attended by former deputy CM Sachin Pilot, who had rebelled against his party’s government in Rajasthan.