MP Cong Moves SC, Seeks Release of 16 MLAs from ‘BJP Captivity’
Catch all the live updates of the Madhya Pradesh Congress party crisis.
advertisement
Catch all the live updates on the Madhya Pradesh political crisis here.
The Madhya Pradesh Congress Legislature Party has moved the Supreme Court, accusing BJP of ‘abducting’ and keeping in captivity its 16 MLAs, seeking their release from ‘BJP's captivity’.
In a letter to the governor, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath on Tuesday 17 March, asked for the release of the rebel MLAs for 'Independent Decision'.
Earlier on the day, the Supreme Court issued notice to speaker, chief minister and governor in Madhya Pradesh on the plea filed by the BJP seeking a floor test in the Assembly within 12 hours.
BJP had filed the plea on Monday after the speaker adjourned the House till 26 March citing the coronavirus scare. The SC will hear the matter on Wednesday at 10.30 am.
- The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to MP government on the plea filed by the MP BJP unit asking for an early floor test
- Rebel Congress MLAs held a press conference on Tuesday at a Bangalore resort saying they were unhappy with the Congress government
- Jumping ship to the BJP last week, Scindia said the Congress is not the party it used to be and there is no room for new leadership in it
- 22 Congress MLAs had tendered their resignation from the House, with the Speaker having accepted resignations of six MLAs
- The current effective strength of the House is 228, with two seats vacant
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
Scindia Quits Congress; Set To Join BJP at 6 pm, Reports Say
As a political crisis looms over the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh, former Congress MP from Guna, Jyotiraditya Scindia tendered his resignation to Sonia Gandhi.
Scindia on 10 March took to Twitter to announce his resignation. This comes after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
19 Congress MLAs, Camping at B'luru Resort, Submit Resignation
After Jyotiraditya Scindia quit party, 19 other Congress MLAs tender their resignation.
Conspiracy to Reverse Mandate of People: Digvijaya Singh
Blaming the BJP for whisking away Congress MLAs to Bengaluru, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that this is a “conspiracy to reverse the mandate of people”.
Leaving Congress a Brave Step: Yashodhara Raje Scindia
Yashodhara Raje Scindia took to twitter to congratulate nephew Jyotiraditya Scindia on his decision to quit the Congress Party.
“Rajmata's blood took the decision in the national interest, the new country will be formed, now every distance is lost,” she tweeted.
'Scindia Has Little to Show as Mass Leader': Prashant Kishor
Political strategist Prashant Kishore took to Twitter to claim that Jyotiradia Scindia has “little to show as mass leader, political organiser or administrator.”
“Amazing that those who usually find fault with Gandhis leading Congress because of their surname are finding a Scindia leaving INC as big jolt for the party!” he tweeted.
Senior MLA Bisahu Lal Singh Quits Congress, Joins BJP
Senior MLA Bisahu Lal Singh joins BJP after resigning from Congress. He is the only rebel MLA to be formally inducted in the BJP till now.
Kamal Nath Writes to Guv; Removes 6 MLAs From Cabinet
MP Chief Minister Kamal Nath wrote a letter to the Governor seeking the removal of 6 MLAs from his Cabinet.
'Govt Won't Fall, We Have The Numbers,' Says Congress Leader Kantilal Bhuria
After meeting Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Congress leader Kantilal Bhuria said that the government in Madhya Pradesh will continue to run as Congress has the numbers.
“The government is not going to fall because someone is saying so. We have required number of MLAs,” Bhuria told news agency ANI.
'Scindia Joining BJP Shows Crass Opportunism & Unethical Conduct': Prashant Bhushan
Terming Jyotiraditya Scindia’s move to join the BJP “unethical" and a case of “crass opportunism”, Prashant Bhushan took to Twitter and said that while Scindia’s frustration with the Congress is understandable, the decision to join BJP is “extremely shocking”.
'Scindia Betrayed The Trust of People': Ashok Gehlot
Criticising Jyotiraditya Scindia’s decision to quit the Congress party, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “Joining hands with BJP in a time of national crisis speaks volumes about a leaders self-indulgent political ambitions.”
He accused Scindia of betraying the trust of people saying that Scindia’s decision to join hands with BJP “ proves that such people proves they can’t thrive without power.”
'We Should Be Ready to Sit in the Opposition,' Says Congress Leader & Digvijaya Singh's Brother Laxman Singh
Congress leader and Digvijaya Singh’s brother Laxman Singh said that the party should now be ready to sit in the opposition.
“Whatever happened let it be. Now we should be ready to sit in the opposition. In the future, Congress again will form the government. I don't think there will be much number game. We will meet the Chief Minister and discuss it,” he told news agency ANI.
Congress Rebel MLAs in Bengaluru Seek Police Protection
19 Congress rebel MLAs, who are staying in Bengaluru wrote a letter to Karnataka DGP, demanding protection and police escort.
The Letter reads, "We've come to Karnataka voluntarily for some important work, regarding which we require protection for our safe movement and stay in and around Bangaluru".
Sanjay Jha Asks Congress to 'Get House in Order Before Worrying About Neighbour'
Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha, in apparent criticism of the internal discord within the party, tweeted, “First get your house in order. Then worry about the neighbour plucking your flowers.”
Personal Ambition Played Major Part in Scindia's Decision: Adhir
Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury on Tuesday said ideology did not matter to Jyotiraditya Scindia, and claimed that "political convenience" and "personal ambition" played a major part his decision to quit the party, PTI reported.
Chowdhury alleged that some sort of “allurement and enticement” offered by the Bharatiya Janata Party had convinced Scindia for switching over from the Congress.
"It is sad news for the Congress party because Jyotiraditya Scindia had been nurtured by the party over the years," Chowdhury told PTI.
"He had been entrusted with important jobs by the party. But now the situation had come to such a pass that he found it more convenient to switch over to the other party," Chowdhury said.
Shah Meets Nadda in Delhi
A one-on-one meeting between BJP President JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi has concluded, ANI reports. Following this, the two will reportedly reach BJP headquarters for a Parliamentary Board meeting.
Another Congress MLA Submits Resignation
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA from Sumawali (Morena), Aidal Singh Kansana has tendered his resignation, joining 20 other MLAs who quit alongside Jyotiraditya Scindia.
List of 22 MLAs Who Sent Resignations to the Madhya Pradesh Governor
Ministers:
Tulsi Silawat, Govind Singh Rajput, Dr Prabhuram Choudhry, Imarti Devi, Pradyumna Singh Tomar and Mahendra Singh Sisodia.
Other MLAs who have resigned:
Manoj Choudhary, Hardeep Singh Dang, Rajyavardhan Singh, Brajendra Singh Yadav, Jaspal Jajji, Suresh Dhakad, Jaswant Jatav, Santram Sironia, Munnalal Goyal, Ranveer Singh Jatav, OPS Bhadoria, Kamlesh Jatav, Giriraj Dandotiya, Raghuraj Kansana, Aidal Singh Kansana, Biasahulal Singh.
State Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi, a close confidant of Scindia, resigned from the party's primary membership soon after Scindia announced that he was quitting the party, PTI reports.
'Proud of Father for Taking a Stand': Mahanaryaman Scindia
Jyotiraditya Scindia’s son Mahanaryaman praised his father’s decision to quit the Congress. “I am proud of my father for taking a stand for himself. It takes courage to to resign from a legacy. History can speak for itself when I say my family has never been power hungry,” he wrote on Twitter.
“As promised we will make an impactful change in India and Madhya Pradesh wherever our future lies,” he added.
BSP, SP MLAs Meet BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Amid the political turmoil in Madhya Pradesh, a legislator of the BSP and another of the Samajwadi Party met BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday.
The Bahujan Samaj Party with its two MLAs and the SP with its sole MLA are supporting the Kamal Nath-led Congress government.
BSP MLA from Bhind Sanjiv Singh Kushwaha and SP legislator from Bijawar, Rajesh Shukla, met Chouhan at his residence.
Chouhan said after the brief meeting that it was a courtesy call on the occasion of Holi.
Shukla and Kushwaha had gone missing after switching off phones last week amid allegations by the Congress that the BJP was trying to lure the MLAs and topple the state government.
MP BJP Leader Reaches Bhopal to Hand Over Resignations of MLAs
Senior BJP leader Bhupendra Singh reached Bhopal on Tuesday afternoon, carrying with him resignation letters of 19 Congress MLAs who are lodged at a resort in Bengaluru.
These resignations have been submitted to Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati who said he “will take action according to the established procedure of the state Assembly.”
BJP Central Election Committee Meet Concludes
A meeting of the BJP Central Election Committee at the party headquarters in Delhi has concluded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were present at the meeting.
Scindia, Cong MLAs Likely to Join BJP on 12 March: Reports
Jyotiraditya Scindia, who resigned from the Congress on Tuesday, 10 March, is likely to join the BJP in Bhopal on Thursday, 12 March along with his supporters and several Congress MLAs, sources told PTI.
MP CLP Meet Attended by 'Around 100' MLAs: Minister
Amid resignations of 22 legislators of the party, "around 100" MLAs including four independents attended a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) here on Tuesday, a state minister said, PTI reports.
They expressed faith in Chief Minister Kamal Nath's leadership, he added.
However, two BSP and one SP MLA who support the government skipped the CLP meeting, he added.
These three MLAs were holed up in a hotel in Haryana with some Congress MLAs last week when the Congress had alleged that the BJP was trying to lure away its legislators.
MP Governor in Lucknow for Holi, Says Will Take Decision When He Comes Back
Governor Lalji Tandon, who is in Lucknow to celebrate Holi, said he is keeping a tab on the political developments in Madhya Pradesh and that any decision related to it will be taken only after reaching the Raj Bhavan in Bhopal.
'Nothing to Worry About, Our Govt Will Complete Term': Kamal Nath
“There is nothing to worry about, we will prove our majority. Our government will complete its term,” Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath told ANI.
BJP MLAs Reach Bhopal Airport
Buses carrying Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs have reached Bhopal Airport, reported ANI.
Congress Leaders Leave for Bengaluru to Convince Rebel MLAs
Congress leaders Sajjan Singh Verma and Dr Govind Singh have left for Bengaluru. They will meet some of the 19 rebel MLAs and try and convince them to return to the party, reported ANI.
BJP MLAs Arrive in Delhi, Say 'Here for Holidays'
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs arrived in Delhi.
National General Secretary of BJP, Kailash Vijayvargiya said, “We are here for holidays and we are in festive mood. We will be staying in Delhi.”
They are staying at ITC Grand Bharat in Gurugram, ANI reported.
'Scindia Was Not At All Sidelined': Digvijaya Singh
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday, 11 March, said that Jyotiraditya Scindia, who quit the party, was "not sidelined."
"No question he was not at all sidelined. In fact, please ask any Congress Leader from MP particularly from Gwalior Chambal Division and you would come to know nothing moved in this area without his consent in last 16 months. Sad. But I wish him well under ModiShah Tutelage!" Singh tweeted.
'Scindia Leaving Doesn't Affect Anything': Congress MLA Arjun Singh
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Arjun Singh on Wednesday, 11 March, expressed confidence that Kamal Nath’s government “will remain.”
“You will see on 16th, numbers (of MLAs) will stay the same. Him (Jyotiraditya Scindia) leaving doesn't affect anything, days of Rajas-Maharajas are long gone,” Singh told ANI.
Congress to Shift Its MLAs Out of Madhya Pradesh: Report
In a bid to keep its flock together, the crisis-hit Madhya Pradesh Congress has decided to shift its 92 MLAs either to Jaipur or some other place, PTI reported.
The move comes after 22 Congress MLAs loyal to former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned on Tuesday, pushing the 15-month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse.
"We are going to take our 92 MLAs and those supporting our Madhya Pradesh government to a hotel," a senior Congress leader said on Wednesday.
The legislators would be taken either to Jaipur or some other Congress-ruled state like Chhattisgarh, a party source said.
MP Congress Lists Key Positions Given to Scindia
A day after Jyotiraditya Scindia quit Congress, Madhya Pradesh Congress on Wednesday, 11 March, took to twitter to remind Scindia of the key positions he was assigned in his 18 year-stint with the grand old party.
The state Congress then asked Scindia why he chose to seek refuge under Modi and Shah.
'Congress Is in a Safe & Strong Position': MP Home Minister
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bala Bachchan on Wednesday, 11 March, said Congress is in a “safe and strong position,” ANI reported.
“Everybody is in touch with the chief minister. Everything will be all right soon. We will prove our majority on the floor of the Assembly and our government will continue till 2023,” Bachchan said.
Congress MLAs to Reach Jaipur at 11 am: Report
Amid the political crisis in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress MLAs are expected to reach Jaipur at 11 am on Wednesday, 11 March and will be staying at a resort, PTI reported quoting sources.
Arrangements are being made on the directions of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi of Destabilising Govt in Madhya Pradesh
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, 11 March, slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the political crisis in Madhya Pradesh while the global oil prices have nosedived.
“Hey @PMOIndia , while you were busy destabilising an elected Congress Govt, you may have missed noticing the 35% crash in global oil prices. Could you please pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing #petrol prices to under 60₹ per litre? Will help boost the stalled economy,” he tweeted.
Jyotiraditya Scindia to Join BJP at 12:30 pm Today: Reports
Jyotiraditya Scindia is expected to join the BJP at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, 11 March, according to media reports.
Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh Arrives at MP CM Kamal Nath's Residence
Amid the ongoing political crisis, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh arrived at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's residence in Bhopal, ANI reported.
Rift Within State BJP Amid Political Crisis: Report
While the Madhya Pradesh Congress is trying to hold its flock together amid the political crisis, reports have emerged indicating a possible rift within the state wing of the BJP.
There is speculation of a rift between MLA Narottam Mishra and former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan over attempts to topple the government. Both Mishra and Chouhan have repeatedly denied any role in the current political turmoil, NDTV reported.
'Confident MLAs in K'taka Will Return to Congress': Nakul Nath
Nakul Nath, Congress MP and son of Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath, on Wednesday, 11 March, said the MLAs who have gone to Karnataka will soon return to the Congress fold. “I am very confident that the government will survive,” he told ANI.
Over 80 Congress MLAs From Madhya Pradesh to Arrive in Jaipur Soon: Report
Over 80 Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh are expected to arrive in Rajasthan on Wednesday afternoon, PTI reported quoting sources.
Earlier, the sources had said that the legislators would arrive at the Jaipur airport at 11 am, but that has been delayed.
Meanwhile, three luxury buses have reached the airport which will be used to take the MLAs to a resort located near the Jaipur-Delhi highway.
It is the same resort where legislators from Maharashtra were lodged in November last year, according to ANI.
Many Congress MLAs Not Comfortable With Joining BJP: Sources
Many Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh who resigned from the party don't feel comfortable joining the BJP, sources told The Quint.
The MLAs were under the impression that they were resigning to build pressure for Scindia's Rajya Sabha claim. Some MLAs have said if BJP makes Scindia the chief minister, they would leave Congress.
Many, however, wanted Scindia to form his own party. Meanwhile, Kamal Nath is hopeful of getting around ten BJP MLAs to switch camps.
Senior Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Sajjan Singh Verma on meeting the 19 party MLAs who tendered their resignations said, “Nobody is ready to go with Scindia ji. They said they were misled and taken to Bengaluru, most of them said they are not ready to join BJP,” according to ANI.
'MP Virus Won't Enter Maharashtra, MVA Govt Safe': Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday expressed confidence that his party-led Maharashtra government is safe and said the "Madhya Pradesh virus" will not enter the western state, PTI reported.
“Maharashtra's power is different...The Maha Vikas Aghadi did a bypass surgery and saved Maharashtra,” the Sena leader said in a tweet in Marathi.
'No One Can Destroy Congress': DK Shivakumar
Amid the ongoing political crisis in Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Wednesday, 11 March, said, "No one can destroy Congress."
"Leaders may come, leaders may go, that doesn't make any difference. All the MLAs who are here don't want to lose their membership. I am sure they will understand, go back and save the government," Shivakumar told ANI.
13 Out of 22 Rebel MLAs Have Assured They're Not Leaving Cong: Digvijay Singh
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has claimed that 13 out of 22 rebel MLAs in Madhya Pradesh have assured him that they are not leaving Congress, PTI reported.
The Congress government is confident of winning the floor test, Singh said, asserting that they “are not keeping quiet.”
Further, Singh said Scindia was roped in by BJP after Shivraj Singh Chouhan failed to topple the Congress government in MP. He also alleged the MLAs were offered a huge amount money.
Jyotiraditya Scindia Leaves for BJP Headquarters in Delhi
Jyotiraditya Scindia is on his way to the BJP headquarters in Delhi to join the party, ANI reported.
'People Will Teach Him a Lesson': Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday, 11 March, hit out at Jyotiraditya Scindia and called him an "opportunist."
"Such opportunists should have left the party much earlier. Congress party gave him so much for 18 years...People will teach him a lesson," he told ANI.
Jyotiraditya Scindia Joins BJP a Day After Quitting Congress
A day after resigning from the Congress, Jyotiraditya Scindia joined the BJP in the presence of party president JP Nadda.
Nadda expressed happiness over Scindia joining BJP and remembered his grandmother and party's co-founder late Vijaya Raje Scindia.
“Entry of Jyotiraditya Scindia in BJP is like a family member coming back to the party,” he added.
'Good to Be on Same Team': Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje Welcomes Scindia
Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje welcomed Scindia to the BJP and said, “If Rajmata Sahab was here today, she would be elated to see you put the nation first. I admire your strength of character and courage. It’s good to be on the same team.”
Jyotiraditya Scindia Thanks PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah
After being formally inducted to the BJP, Jyotiraditya Scindia thanked party President JP Nadda, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for "welcoming him to their family."
Scindia said the Congress is not the party it used to be, adding that there is no room for new leadership in it.
“I can say with confidence that the aim of public service is not being fulfilled by that party (Congress),” Scindia said.
'Joyous Day': Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Addresses Media
Addressing the media shortly after Jyotiraditya Scindia joined the BJP, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “It's a joyous day for BJP and me personally.”
“Today, I remember Rajmata Scindia ji. Jyotiraditya M Scindia has become a member of BJP family. Yashodhara ji is here with us. Entire family is with BJP. They have a tradition where politics is a medium to serve people,” he added.
Scindia Nominated for Rajya Sabha from MP on Joining BJP: Reports
Jyotiraditya Scindia was nominated as the BJP Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh, moments after he joined the party, reports say.
'No Possibility of MP Being Repeated in Maharashtra': Sharad Pawar
Reacting to the political developments in Madhya Pradesh, NCP leader Sharad Pawar said, “We are waiting to see if the government is actually falling. People have faith in Kamal Nath's abilities. I can’t talk of Congress as I am not a member but I heard that a competent person being given good responsibility was delayed.”
“There is no possibility of MP being repeated here in Maharashtra,” he said.
He added that he didn’t have the details of the MP Assembly but he trusts the capability of Kamal Nath.
'Kamal Nath Never Heard Us': MLA Who Quit Congress With Scindia
“All 22 MLAs are here (in Bengaluru) on their own will. We're happy Scindia ji has taken this decision. I'll always stay with him even if I had to jump in a well. When we were in Congress, Kamal Nath ji never heard us,” said Madhya Pradesh MLA Imarti Devi, who recently resigned from the Congress.
Congress RS MP Anand Sharma Addresses Media
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma, addressed the media on Wednesday, 11 March.
Rahul Takes a Swipe at PM Modi for 'Destabilising an Elected Congress Govt'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Twitter, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the political crisis in Madhya Pradesh and a “stalled economy”.
“While you were busy destabilising an elected Congress Govt, you may have missed noticing the 35 percent crash in global oil prices. Could you please pass on the benefit to Indians by slashing petrol prices to under Rs 60 per litre? Will help boost the stalled economy,” he wrote.
Horse-Trading Being Done 'Shamelessly' in MP: Gehlot
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday, 11 March, accused the BJP of "shamelessly" indulging in horse-trading in Madhya Pradesh on the basis of money power, PTI reported.
Those ruling the country are murdering the democracy and the entire country will teach them a lesson, he told reporters at the airport in Jaipur as he arrived to receive Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh.
He said all this is being done on the basis of money power.
BJP Releases Rajya Sabha Candidates List, Confirms Scindia's Nomination From MP
The BJP has announced the names of party's candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, confirming Jyotiraditya Scindia’s candidature from Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier, former MP CM and BJP leader Shivraj singh Chouhan had confirmed that Scindia will be the Rajya Sabha candiiate for the party.
Rahul Gandhi Retweets Election Victory Photo With Scindia, Kamal Nath
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, 11 March, retweeted an old photograph of himself with Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath with Leo Tolstoy’s quote, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.”
The photograph dates back to December 2018, when the Congress won the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections.
Unfortunate: Sachin Pilot on Scindia's Exit From Party
Rajasthan Congress chief and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot termed the development unfortunate, saying he wished things could have been fixed within the party "collaboratively".
Scindia to File Nomination Papers for RS Polls on 13 March
Former Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who joined the BJP on Wednesday, will file his nomination papers for the 26 March Rajya Sabha polls from Madhya Pradesh in Bhopal on Friday, said a party spokesman.
BJP in Serious Business of Poaching, Abducting MLAs and Stealing Govts: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday accused the BJP of being in the "business of poaching and abducting MLAs, and stealing governments", and charged that the party has fine-tuned the art.
Terming the recent developments in Madhya Pradesh an insult to democracy, senior Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said the saffron party attempts to destabilise non-BJP governments in states.
"The BJP has fine-tuned the art of poaching and abducting MLAs and stealing governments," he said.
Not Just a Turning Point: Jyotiraditya Scindia
After joining the BJP on Wednesday, Scindia tweeted late night thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for accepting and welcoming him.
Scindia Meets Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh
A day after joining the BJP, former prominent leader of the Congress Jyotiraditya Scindia, met Home Minister, Amit Shah and Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh separately.
Amit Shah said, "I am sure his induction into the party will further strengthen BJP’s resolve to serve the people of Madhya Pradesh."
'Floor Test Cannot Take Place As Resignations of MLAs Haven't Been Accepted': Digvijaya Singh
With the Kamal Nath-led government in MP teetering on the edge, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said that a floor test cannot take place as the resignations submitted by 19 (Congress) MLAs have not been accepted.
“They should physically come before the Speaker and speak for themselves. These MLAs have been held hostage by BJP,” Singh added.
BJP to Seek Floor Test in MP Assembly on 16 March
The BJP in Madhya Pradesh will seek a floor test on 16 March in the wake of 22 Congress MLAs resigning in the state, a senior BJP leader said on Thursday, 12 March, reported PTI.
“Since the government is in minority, we are going to request the governor and the Assembly speaker for a floor test on 16 March when the state Budget session begins," BJP's chief whip in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Narottam Mishra told reporters in Bhopal.
The governor and the speaker have the resignations of 22 MLAs. Now it is up to them to take a call, he said.
Digvijaya Singh Files Nomination for Rajya Sabha Polls
Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh on Thursday filed his nomination in Bhopal for the 26 March Rajya Sabha election.
Speaker Issues Notices to 22 Rebel MLAs, Seeks Reply by Friday
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati has issued notices to 22 Congress MLAs who have resigned, asking them to appear before him by Friday and clarify whether they have quit voluntarily or under pressure, a legislature official said on Thursday, PTI reported.
Congress Leader Trying to Meet Rebel MLAs Gets Into Scuffle With Police
A scuffle broke out between Congress leader Jitu Patwari and a police personnel, while Patwari was trying to meet the Madhya Pradesh rebel MLAs at Embassy Boulevard in Bengaluru, ANI reports.
Patwari has reportedly been taken into preventive custody by the police.
'Scindia Abandoned Ideology, Went With RSS': Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking to the media on Thursday, said, “This is a fight of ideology, on one side is Congress and BJP-RSS on the other.”
“I know Jyotiraditya Scindia's ideology, he was with me in college, I know him well. He got worried about his political future, abandoned his ideology and went with RSS,” he added.
Scindia Reaches Bhopal, Welcomed by BJP Workers
Jyotiraditya Scindia reached Bhopal on Thursday where he was welcomed by BJP workers gathered in large numbers.
Kamal Nath Meets Governor Lalji Tandon, Alleges Horsetrading of MLAs
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath arrived at Raj Bhavan in Bhopal to meet Governor Lalji Tandon, to discuss the Congress' crisis in the state.
ANI reported that the chief minister handed over a letter to Tandon alleging horsetrading of MLAs by the BJP, and requested the governor to ensure 'release of MLAs held in captivity in Bengaluru'.
'I Invite and Would Welcome a Floor Test': Kamal Nath's Letter to Governor
In the letter given by Madhya Pradesh CM to Governor Lalji Tandon, Nath said that he welcomed the idea of having a floor test to prove the strength of the Congress in the state. He said this was the minimum Constitutional authority could do to 'address the turmoil'.
Floor Test Possible Only When MLAs Are "Freed From Captivity," Says Kamal Nath
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath addressed media after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon, saying a floor test will happen if the Governor orders it, but it would only be possible when the 22 MLAs are "freed from captivity," ANI reported.
'Only He Can Say Why He Has Gone': Nath on Scindia's Exit
Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath addressed the media on Friday, and commented on Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia's exit from the party. "Only he can say why he has gone. Our government is stable, no need to worry," Nath said.
Scindia had joined BJP the day after resigning from Congress. 22 other MLAs from the party had quit after him, triggering the crisis in Madhya Pradesh.
BJP Member Jyotiraditya Scindia Files His Nomination Papers for Rajya Sabha
BJP member Jyotiraditya Scindia filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha on Friday, 13 March. He was nominated as the BJP candidate from Madhya Pradesh, a day after resigning from the Congress.
Most of the 19 Cong MLAs to Reach Bhopal From Bengaluru
Most of the 19 rebel Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh, including six ministers, who have been camping in Bengaluru, are expected to reach Bhopal on Friday evening, party sources told PTI.
"Most of the 19 MLAs have left Bengaluru where they were staying. They will travel by air and are expected to reach here," a Scindia loyalist told PTI.
In view of their expected arrival, security at the Bhopal airport has been beefed up.
MP Governor Expells 6 Rebel Ministers From Cabinet
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon has expelled six rebel ministers from the state Cabinet on the recommendation of Chief Minister Kamal Nath, ANI reports.
The ministers are Imarti Devi, Tulsi Silawat, Govind Singh Rajput, Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Pardyuman Singh Tomar and Dr Prabhuram Chaudhary.
Rebel Madhya Pradesh MLAs in Bengaluru Drop Plan to Return to Bhopal
Nineteen rebel Congress MLAs from Madhya Pradesh, including six ministers, on Friday, 13 March, cancelled at the last minute their plan to return to Bhopal from Bengaluru, where they have been camping, a former Congress leader in the state told PTI.
As per the previous plan, most of the MLAs were scheduled to arrive in Bhopal by Friday evening. The legislators had reached the Bengaluru airport.
“They were told not to go to the Madhya Pradesh capital for security reasons as Congress workers have gathered outside the Bhopal airport holding sticks," Pankaj Chaturvedi, a loyalist of Jyotiraditya Scindia, who recently quit Congress and joined the BJP, said.
MP Crisis: BJP Leaders Meet Guv, Call For Immediate Floor Test
A delegation of BJP , including former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava, called on Governor Lalji Tandon on Saturday, 14 March, and requested him to order an immediate floor test.
The Opposition party said the floor test should be held possibly on Sunday, claiming that the Congress government was already in minority and should prove its majority before undertaking any other official business.
MP Speaker Accepts Resignation of Six Cong MLAs
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narmada Prasad Prajapati accepts resignation of six Congress MLAs – Imarti Devi, Tulsi Silawat, Pradhuman Singh Tomar, Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Govind Singh Rajput and Prabhu Ram Chaudhary.
They were earlier removed from the state Cabinet.
Seek Floor Test On 16 March, Says Governor To Kamal Nath: PTI
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon directed Chief Minister Kamal Nath late Saturday night to seek a trust vote in the Assembly soon after his (governor) address on 16 March.
A letter from the governor was sent to the chief minister in this regard around midnight, a Raj Bhawan source told PTI.
"I came to know that 22 MLAs have sent their resignations to the MP Assembly speaker and they have also informed about it on electronic and print media. I have seen the coverage on both media with attention," the letter, dated 14 March, said.
"They have also sent the letter to me separately on 10 March, 2020 and the same MLAs have requested for security to present these resignation letters to the Vidhan Sabha speaker on 13 March," the governor said.
Read For Floor Test: Congress
"We are ready for floor test tomorrow and we are confident of winning it. We are not nervous,BJP is. Those(rebel) MLAs are in touch with us", said Harish Rawat, Senior Congress leader accompanying Madhya Pradesh Cong MLAs to Bhopal from Jaipur.
Congress MLA Expected In Bhopal Soon
Security has been tightened at Bhopal airport and section 144 has been imposed. Congress MLAs are expected to arrive in the city from Jaipur shortly.
CM Kamal Nath Calls Cabinet Meet
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has called a cabinet meeting here in Bhopal on Sunday, 15 March in the wake of state Governor Lalji Tandon's direction to his government to seek a trust vote in the Assembly on Monday, reports PTI.
The meeting is likely to be begin at 11 am, sources told the agency. The cabinet is likely to discuss the governor's letter sent on Saturday night, in which he asked the government to seek a trust vote in the Assembly soon after his (governor's) address on March 16, they said.
BJP Issues Whip To MLAs
The Bharatiya Janata Party has issued a whip asking its MLAs to be present in the assembly tomorrow, 16 March, for the floor test and vote for BJP, reports ANI.
Congress MLAs From Jaipur Arrive In Bhopal
Congress MLAs who were lodged in Jaipur have arrived in Bhopal. They have been shifted to the Courtyard Marriott hotel in the city.
21 Congress MLAs In B'luru Shifted
21 Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs have been shifted from the Prestige Golfshire Club to the Ramada Hotel in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Security has deployed outside the hotel, reports ANI.
BJP Meeting In Delhi
A meeting is underway at Union Minister and BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar's residence in Delhi ahead to tomorrow's floor test, reports NDTV.
Ex-MP chief minister SS Chouhan, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan are reportedly present at the meeting, while Jyotiraditya Scindia is expected to arrive shortly.
Jyotiraditya Scindia Arrives For Meeting In Delhi
Jyotiraditya Scindia arrives at the residence of Union Minister and BJP leader Narendra Singh Tomar for the meeting ahead of the floor test in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow.
BJP Issues Whip, Asks MLAs to Be Present During Assembly
Madhya Pradesh BJP Legislature Party on Sunday, 15 March issued a whip to all its MLAs to remain present in the House during the Assembly session that begins on Monday, and vote in favour of party during the trust vote.
'MLAs Who Returned From Jaipur, Haryana, B'luru Should be Tested for COVID-19 ': MP Minister PC Sharma
Madhya Pradesh Minister PC Sharma in a press brief stated that as discussed in the state cabinet meeting all the MLAs who came from Jaipur should be medically tested and those in Haryana and Bengaluru should also be medically tested.
Former MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Arrives in Gurugram
Former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrives at ITC Grand Bharat hotel in Gurugram where BJP MLAs from Madhya Pradesh are staying.
Congress Legislative Party Meeting Later Today
Congress legislative party meeting to be held later today at CM House in Bhopal, reports ANI.
Ahead of the Floor Test, Section 144 Imposed in Bhopal
Ahead of the floor test, the Bhopal district administration prohibits the gathering of five or more people at public places under Section 144 of CrPC in several parts of the state capital. The restrictions will be in place from 16 March to 13 April
Will Inform Tomorrow If Floor Test Will Be Conducted: MP Assembly Speaker
Speaking to the media, MP Assembly speaker on the impending floor test said, "You will get to know about it tomorrow only. I will not tell you about my decision in advance."
He also clarified that he has been waiting for MLAs who have sent their resignations, saying, "I've been waiting for MLAs who've sent their resignations to me through one or the other medium, why are they not contacting me directly? I'm worried about what's happening with members of my assembly. It raises questions on the state of democracy."
16 MP Rebel Congress MLAs Request Governor to Accept Their Resignation
16 Madhya Pradesh rebel Congress MLAs write to Governor Lalji Tandon, requesting him to accept their resignations just like he accepted the resignation of 6 Congress MLAs on 14th March. The MLAs who wrote to the Governor include, Jajpal Jajji, Brijendra Yadav, Ranveer Jatav, Kamlesh Jatav, Giriraj Dandotiya, Manoj Choudhary, OPS Bhadoria, Raksha Santram Saroniya, Suresh Dhakad, Rajyavardhan Singh, Biasahulal Singh, Hardeep Singh Dang, Jaswant Jatav, Munnalal Goyal, R Kansana and Aidalsingh Kansana.
MP Assembly's List of Business Does Not Mention Any Floor Test for Monday
In the list of business of the Madhya Pradesh State Assembly for Monday, 16 March, there is no mention of a floor test, ANI reported.
It has the schedule for Governor Lalji Tandon's address and Motion of Thanks towards the governor's address.
MP BJP MLAs Leave from Gurugram Hotel, Will Fly to Bhopal Tonight
Madhya Pradesh BJP MLAs leave from ITC Grand Bharat Hotel in Gurugram for Delhi airport. They will be flying to Bhopal on the night of Sunday, 15 March, ANI reported.
Trust Vote Should be Taken Through Raising of Hands: Governor to CM Kamal Nath
Madhya Pradesh governor on Sunday wrote to CM Kamal Nath, saying that voting during the trust vote should be taken up only through raising of hands and not by any other method, PTI reported.
Speaker Will Take Decision on Floor Test: Kamal Nath After Meeting Governor
Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath, after meeting Governor Lalji Tandon on Sunday, 15 March, said, “I told the Governor that I will speak to the Speaker tomorrow. It (floor test) will be decided by the Speaker.”
In response, BJP’s Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the MP govt has lost its majority and is running away from the floor test.
“The Governor has ordered the government to conduct a floor test in the assembly after his address. Chief Minister (Nath) is saying it's up to the Speaker and not him. What happens in the assembly is decided by the government. The Speaker works on what is decided by the government,” he said.
“Floor test will be held tomorrow, Governor has written to Chief Minister & Speaker about it. It doesn't matter what CM says, Governor has written to Speaker & I believe he will follow Governor's directions,” Madhya Pradesh BJP President VD Sharma said.
BJP MLAs Who Were Kept in Gurugram Hotel Arrive in Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh BJP MLAs, who were staying at ITC Grand Bharat Hotel in Gurugram, Haryana arrived in Bhopal on Monday via Delhi, ANI reports. BJP State President VD Sharma was also present.
Madhya Pradesh BJP Legislators Return to Bhopal After 5 Days in Haryana
Madhya Pradesh BJP legislators returned to Bhopal in the early hours of Monday, 16 March, in a chartered plane, after spending five days at a resort in Haryana, PTI reported.
The party had taken its MLAs to the Manesar resort on 10 March in a bid to keep it's flock together.
The MLAs landed at Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport around 2 am.
State BJP chief VD Sharma and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Gopal Bhargava, along with other leaders, welcomed them.
The MLAs were taken to a hotel, PTI reported quoting sources in the party.
'State Govt Running Away From Floor Test': Leader of Oppn in Assembly Gopal Bhargav
Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Assembly Gopal Bhargav on Monday, 16 March, said the state govt is "running away from facing the floor test but it can't be saved from collapsing, as a good number of MLAs are against it," according to ANI.
"The government has been defeated morally and the Chief Minister should resign on moral grounds," Bhargav added.
'Ready for Floor test But Assembly Floor Not Complete': PC Sharma
Amid uncertainty over the floor test, Madhya Pradesh Minister PC Sharma on Monday, 16 March, said they are ready to face the floor test but "the Assembly floor is not complete."
"16 of the Congress MLAs have disappeared, about which Chief Minister Kamal Nath has reported to Home Minister Amit Shah," he alleged.
'PM Modi has Discovered a Model to Kill Democracy': MP Minister Jitu Patwari
Madhya Pradesh Minister Jitu Patwari on Monday, 16 March, hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over horse-trading in the state.
"PM Narendra Modi has discovered a model to kill the democracy – abduct, lure, manage MLAs and keep them in police custody...Record their videos, make them viral and then demand for floor test," ANI quoted Patwari as saying.
22 Rebel Congress MLAs May Not Return to Bhopal: Report
Uncertainty looms over the floor test in Madhya Pradesh Assembly, with sources in Jyotiraditya Scindia camp claiming that 22 Congress MLAs who resigned last week may not be coming to Bhopal, according to PTI.
BJP, Congress MLAs Arrive at the State Assembly
Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs arrived at the Madhya Pradesh State Assembly on Monday, 16 March, ANI reported.
The Congress MLAs also arrived at the State Assembly.
"Hope Due Procedure and Constitution is Followed': MP CM Kamal Nath
As suspense over floor test continues, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Monday, 16 March, wrote a letter to Governor Lalji Tandon, stating, “Hope due procedure and Constitution will be followed.”
MP Governor Leaves Shortly After Assembly Proceedings Begin
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon left shortly after Assembly proceedings began on Monday, 16 March.
"All must follow the rules under the Constitution so that dignity of Madhya Pradesh remains protected, Tandon was quoted by ANI as saying.
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Adjourned Till 26 March Amid Coronavirus
Madhya Pradesh Assembly has been adjourned till 26 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak, news agency ANI reported.
BJP Moves SC Challenging MP Speaker’s Decision to Adjourn Assembly
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court by the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, 16 March, challenging the speaker’s decision to adjourn the assembly till 26 March and seeking floor test in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
MP Crisis: SC to Hear Tomorrow BJP’s Plea for Floor Test
The Supreme Court will hear on Tuesday, 17 March, the plea filed by BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan and nine other BJP MLAs, seeking immediate floor test for proving the majority of the Kamal Nath government in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly.
BJP Legislators Meet Governor in Show of Strength, Seek Urgent Floor Test
Madhya Pradesh BJP legislators met Governor Lalji Tandon on Monday, 16 March and requested him to order for the conduct of the floor test at the earliest, ANI reported.
"The government has lost majority and has no right to remain in power," Former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.
Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava said, “We have submitted an affidavit of 106 MLAs to the Governor today. All BJP MLAs were present before him.”
'CM Kamal Nath Running Away from Trust Vote': Shivraj Singh Chouhan
BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday, 16 March, hit out at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, saying the CM is "running away from the trust vote as he knows that the government lacks a majority," ANI reported.
"BJP has the majority and we've appealed the Governor to order conduct floor test at the earliest. He has assured us to protect our constitutional rights," Chouhan added.
‘Conduct Floor Test on 17 March’: MP Governor to Kamal Nath Amid Crisis
With the Congress-led government in Madhya Pradesh teetering on the edge, Governor Lalji Tandon on Monday wrote to CM Kamal Nath, asking him to conduct the floor test on 17 March. “Otherwise, it will be considered that you actually don’t have the majority in the state Assembly,” Tandon was quoted by ANI as saying.
‘Can’t Go Outside Constitution’s Purview’: MP CM After Meeting Guv
With the Congress-led government in Madhya Pradesh teetering on the edge, Chief Minister Kamal Nath met Governor Lalji Tandon on Monday, 16 March, and “discussed current political issues”.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nath said, “I thanked him for his address in the Assembly today. I said we're ready for things within the Constitution, but we can't go outside its purview. BJP has brought in a no-confidence motion. As of today, we have the numbers.”
SC to Hear BJP's Plea Seeking Early Floor Test
The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday will hear a petition filed by the Madhya Pradesh unit of the BJP seeking an early floor test. It is likely to come up for hearing after 10.30 am. A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud and Hemant Gupta will hear the plea.
Rebel Congress MLAs Say Unhappy With Congress Govt
On Tuesday, while talking to the media, rebel Congress MLAs said they were unhappy with the Kamal Nath government. One of the MLAs, Govind Singh Rajput said, "Kamal Nath Ji never heard us even for 15 minutes. Then whom should we talk to for development work in our constituency?"
One other MLA, Imarti Devi said, "Jyotiraditya Scindia is our leader. He taught us a lot. I'll always stay with him even if I had to jump in a well."
MLAs also rejected Congress' claim that they were held by the BJP and their phones were not with them.
SC Seeks Response From State Govt on BJP's Plea
The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a response from the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh by Wednesday on the plea of former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seeking direction to conduct an immediate floor test in the Assembly. The top court will now hear the case on Wednesday at 10.30 am.
The SC also allowed 16 rebel Madhya Pradesh Congress MLAs to file plea seeking to implead themselves as parties in ex-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's case.
Current Government Will Fall: Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
After SC posted floor test case in MP to tomorrow, BJP Leader and former CM of the state, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "The current government in MP will certainly fall. Today, the Bharatiya Janata Party has the required numbers to form government."
CM Kamal Nath Writes Letter to Governor
On Tuesday, Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath wrote to Governor Lalji Tandon saying "Let the 16 MLAs, who have been held captive, be released. Let them live in their respective houses for 5-7 days without any fear so that they can take an independent decision."
He further added, "Your belief that I should conduct floor test in MP Assembly on 17th March, otherwise it will be considered that I don't have the majority, will be unconstitutional because of it being baseless."
No Information on Floor Test: MP Assembly's Principal Secretary
On Tuesday, AP Singh, MP Assembly's Principal Secretary on being asked if he has received a confidence or no-confidence motion said, "We have not received any official information yet. It has come to our knowledge that some document has been given to the Speaker by the leader of the opposition, ANI reported.
On being asked about the floor test, he said, "We have not received any information as such, if such a proposal comes a decision will be taken by the Speaker & put forth before the House."
MP Congress Legislature Party Moves SC, Accuses BJP of 'Abducting' 16 MLAs
The Madhya Pradesh Congress Legislature Party has moved the Supreme Court accusing BJP of ‘abducting’ and keeping in captivity its 16 MLAs and sought a direction for their release from ‘BJP's captivity’.
The party reportedly said that there could not be a trust vote in the absence of 22 MLAs and also questioned the governor’s directive for a floor test.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Other BJP Leaders Meet MP Governor
BJP leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Gopal Bhargava, Bhupendra Singh and VD Sharma have reached Raj Bhavan in Bhopal to meet Governor Lalji Tandon, ANI reports.
Congress Urges SC to Declare 'Confinement' of MLAs Illegal
The Congress party has urged SC to declare as illegal the 'confinement' of its MLAs by the Centre, Karnataka government and Madhya Pradesh BJP.
The party also urged the apex court to declare as illegal and unconstitutional the communications of Governor asking for the trust vote to be held, PTI reports.
Have Requested Governor to Stop Fresh Appointments: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
“Kamal Nath’s government doesn't have the numbers. I have requested the Governor to stop fresh appointments that are being made,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, after meeting the governor.
BJP Leaders Submit Letter to MP Governor Over Appointments Made by Kamal Nath Govt
Senior BJP leaders have submitted a letter to the MP governor on the issue of banning the legal appointments being made by the Madhya Pradesh government.
The letter requests the governor to kindly not allow the Kamal Nath government to make any appointments to key positions without proving their majority first.
Kamal Nath Calls for Legislative Party Meet at Residence Today
CM Kamal Nath has called a legislative party meeting at his residence in Bhopal on Tuesday, 17 March, ANI reports..
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sumer Singh's Forms for RS Nominations Approved
The Returning officer has approved the forms of Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sumer Singh for Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Warns Kamal Nath Government Over Appointments
“The Kamal Nath government knows that it doesn't have majority in the assembly but still is making appointments on constitutional posts. Some officers are working on the government order, I want to warn those officers that I am making a list of them all, will deal with them one by one,” Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Tuesday.
MP Speaker Writes Letter to Governor Over Resignation Letters of 16 MLAs
Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker NP Prajapati has written a letter to Governor Lalji Tandon saying," I received resignations of 16 MLAs through other people. MLAs were directed to be present in person according to rules of House but none of them complied. Resignations are under consideration."
According to ANI, the letter further states,"Family members of some of the 16 MLAs have expressed concerns over safety of the MLAs. I am very worried about these MLAs and request you to take concrete steps to allay our fears".
'Manoj Chaudhary & Other MLAs Detained Illegally': Plea in SC By Congress MLA's Brother
The brother of Manoj Chaudhary, an MP Congress MLA, has filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court, seeking the MLA's release.
According to Livelaw, the petitioner has claimed that Chaudhary was abducted from his residence and is being held by BJP members along with other MP MLAs at a private resort in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The report also says that he claims that it would be undemocratic and unconstitutional to conduct the floor test if the MLAs who are being held in captivity are not released before the floor test.
"That the detenue is being forcefully held captive under the clout of the state of the ruling party with the aid and help of the police authorities of the state of Karnataka, completely against his free will and consent," the petition says, according to Livelaw.
SC to Hear on Wednesday BJP's Plea to Hold Floor Test
The Supreme Court is scheduled on Wednesday, 18 March, to hear the petition filed by former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and others to hold floor test in the State Assembly at the earliest, ANI reported.