Door not closed for Sachin: Cong

Jaipur :Facing a revolt from his deputy Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday dislayed a show of strength in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting attended by over 100 MLAs.

Meanwhile, Pilot, who skipped the meeting after announcing open rebellion, denied joining the BJP amid reports that he may float his own party in his bid to become CM with outside support from the saffron party.

Doors are open for Sachin Pilot and other MLAs, senior leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here ahead of a crucial state legislature party meeting.

He said those who want to attend it should call up Avinash Pande, the AICC general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan.

Pande, Surjewala and Ajay Maken were rushed to Jaipur ahead of the meeting amid a power tussle between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot.

Pilot, who is also the president of the state unit of the party, on Tuesday night claimed he has the support of 30 MLAs and the Gehlot government is now in minority.

The claim has been rejected by the Congress. The party says 109 MLAs have already expressed support for Gehlot.

The Congress Legislature Party meeting was supposed to have begun at 10.30 am, but has been delayed.