The BJP’s move to lock up its MLAs at a resort is not new. The Rajasthan BJP has witnessed herding of its MLAs and ministers in the past too. The party had treated Jharkhand MLAs to royal hospitality when it was in power in Rajasthan.
Jharkhand’s 42 MLAs, including five Independents were brought to Jaipur when the tribal state experienced political uncertainty. The MLAs were put up at a resort near Jaipur and the BJP government deputed ministers to supervise their stay.
The Jharkhand MLAs enjoyed visiting Rajasthan as they were taken to tourist places like Pushkar and Ajmer. The resort treated them to services like yoga and naturopathy. The state BJP had also provided hospitality to Goa MLAs when the state experienced political upheaval.
The 12 Goa MLAs were brought to Rajasthan four years back and stayed here comfortably. The use of star hotels in herding MLAs began in year 1995 when the then chief minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s leadership was challenged by a group of dissident MLAs. The BJP MLAs were taken to Chokhi Dhani a five star hotel in Jaipur where they were camped till the problem was resolved.
This time the saffron leaders have locked up the party MLAs at the five star hotel Jaipur Greens.
The tariff of the hotel is ranging from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000 besides taxes to be paid. The senior leaders checked into suites while MLAs have been allotted deluxe rooms. Over 50 rooms of the hotel have been booked by the party.
The MLAs are enjoying conventional Rajasthani hospitality blended with international standard. The legislatures are in a holiday mood and the hotel management keeps them in good spirits.