In Rajasthan, BJP's strict approach for rebel MLAs

The BJP in Rajasthan is in no mood to entertain the rebel MLAs ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state. The BJP leadership has sent out a strong message by suspending senior MLA Kailash Meghwal who had accused Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal of corruption.

89-years-old Meghwal is a six-time MLA and has been a member of Lok Sabha thrice. He was also a Union minister of state in 2003. Party sources told ET that Meghwal was unlikely to be considered for the ticket this time and he had been speaking against the party for quite some time.

Another BJP leader and Soorsagar MLA, 85, Suryakanta Vyas is also under the scanner of the party after he recently praised Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and equated him with yesteryear kings. Vyas, a five-imesMLA, has been praising and meeting Gehlot in the past, too.


"Once people get older, they start behaving like a child," Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat told media persons on Saturday in Rajasthan.

As per sources, the leadership has instructed MLAs to exercise caution while speaking against the party or in favour of the Congress government as this could become a reason for denial of ticket in assembly elections. Sources told ET that Vyas now wants the ticket for his son and the party has not taken a call on the same. The BJP has shortlisted candidates on almost 50 seats in Rajasthan. The party is planning for a grand show during PM Modi's rally on September 25. There could be a CEC meeting post the program and then it is likely to release the first list of candidates.