Prove majority, BJP to Congress in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: The BJP in Madhya Pradesh on Monday wrote to Governor Anandiben Patel, asking her to convene a session of the state Assembly so that the Congress government led by Kamal Nath could prove its majority in the House. Congress party sees BJP's attempts to topple its government in Madhya Pradesh.

In the Assembly polls last year, the Congress won 114 of the state's 230 seats, two short of the majority mark of 116. The Bahujan Samaj Party, having two MLAs, and Samajwadi Party, which has one, are supporting the Congress. There are four Independents. The BJP won 109 seats.

"I have written a letter to the Governor for convening a special session of the Assembly. We want a discussion on important issues like the farm loan waiver and (to) test the government's strength," Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargava said.

During discussions in the House, financial demands will come up and we will seek division (voting). In division, if the Congress government fails, it will go (collapse), the BJP leader said.

Meanwhile, state Congress sources said the Kamal Nath-led ministry may be expanded to induct a minister each from the BSP and SP and also an Independent to provide stability to the six-month-old government.

The state cabinet now has 25 ministers including an Independent. There was room for more ministers to be inducted as the number of ministers can't be above 34, as per the bench mark of 15 per cent of the strength of Assembly, which is 230.

Political tension rose in Madhya Pradesh last month after Lokendra Singh Rajput, a candidate of Mayawati's BSP, quit and joined the Congress, saying he supports Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Reacting to the BJP's letter to the Governor, state Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi said it was the result of a feud between Bhargava and former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who he claimed wanted to be the LoP after the saffron party lost power in the state last year.

"Our government faces no threat from the BJP (even) after the outcome of general elections, Chaturvedi told PTI.

He said Bhargava's demand for convening a special session of the state Assembly was aimed at hogging limelight and to "dwarf" Chouhan. Nath has convened a meeting of Congress legislators and Lok Sabha candidates Tuesday.