Big setback for BSP in Rajasthan, all six MLAs join Congress

JAIPUR: In what is being considered as a big setback to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Rajasthan, all six MLAs of the party have joined Congress. The six BSP MLAs met Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi on Monday and handed over a letter informing him of their intent to join Congress.

It is believed that the BSP MLAs had been in touch with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and have joined the party at his behest.

The BSP MLAs had earlier been supporting the Congress government in Rajasthan from outside.

After their decision to join the Congress, it is being speculated that a cabinet expansion in Rajasthan may soon be in the offing.

The Congress, on its own, had 100 MLAs in the state assembly of 200 MLAs. 12 independent and 6 BSP MLAs had earlier been supporting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in Rajasthan from outside.

However, the 12 Independent MLAs joined the Congress earlier this year and the party's tally in the state has been further strengthened with the BSP MLAs joining the Congress in Rajasthan.

The BSP MLAs who have joined the Congress in Rajasthan include Rajendra Guda (MLA from Udaipurwati), Jogendra Singh Awana (MLA from Nadbai), Lakhan Singh Meena (MLA from Karauli), Wajib Ali (MLA from Nagar), Sandeep Yadav (MLA from Tijara) and Deepchand Kheria (MLA from Kishangarhbas).