A video that has gone viral has created quite a stir amid the political crisis in Rajasthan. In the video, Rajasthan Assembly speaker CP Joshi is heard speaking to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav and is heard saying that 30 MLAs could have toppled the state government, IANS reported.
He is also seen discussing the fate of the Congress government while saying that had 30 MLAs left the Gehlot camp, the government would have been toppled.
The video has prompted the BJP to call for his resignation. BJP state president Satish Poonia on Thursday said Rajasthan Assembly Speaker C P Joshi should step down as his political leanings are towards saving the Ashok Gehlot government.
Poonia’s remarks were in the context of an unverified video clip of a purported conversation between Joshi and chief minister’s son Vaibhav Gehlot in which he is heard saying that had 30 MLAs left the Congress party, the government would have collapsed.
“The conversation shows that Joshi’s political leanings are towards the Congress, which is completely against the conduct of the person holding a constitutional post,” he alleged.
Poonia said it would be better if the Speaker himself clarifies the authenticity of the video clip.
“It does not seem appropriate for him to hold this post for the dignity and neutrality of the House. He should step down on the basis of morality,” Poonia said in a statement.
The BJP leader also said the state government will be responsible if coronavirus infection spreads when the Assembly is in session.
During the Assembly session, more than 1,000 employees, 200 MLAs and their staff would be present during the session, he added.
Two days earlier, Joshi had filed fresh Special Leave Petition in Supreme Court against the stay order passed by the Rajasthan High Court on the writ petition by Sachin Pilot & 18 other MLAs asking Speaker to not take action against them.
