Vaghela-governor meeting sparks speculation

Amidst speculation that Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela has threatened to resign, the Rashtriya Janata Party leader met Governor Krishnapal Singh on Wednesday evening.

The chief minister is understood to have demanded dissolution of the state assembly in case the Congress withdraws support to his 11-month-old government.

Amarsinh Chaudhary, leader of the Congress legislature party, however, told the media that Vaghela could not make the recommendation since his minority government was supported by the Congress.

Under the Constitution, the governor will need to seek the Congress's opinion, Chaudhary, himself a former chief minister, said.

Disclosing that his party was not averse to the RJP continuing in power after Vaghela steps down, Chaudhary said the new leader should be acceptable to the Congress. He, however, ruled out the possibility of Congress forming a coalition government with the RJP.

Meanwhile, ministers in the Vaghela cabinet have started consultations to find a viable alternative to the chief minister.

Rebel Revenue Minister Atmaram Patel also attended the meeting, where Vaghela's absence was conspicuous. After meeting the governor, Vaghela has left for an unknown destination and his whereabouts are not known.

UNI

EARLIER REPORTS:
Congress will decide on Vaghela's future on Saturday
Vaghela takes on Atmaram Patel
Vaghela's fate in balance