BJP MLAs relax, play cricket in Gurugram

BENGALURU: None of the 95 BJP legislators holed up in a five-star hotel in Gurugram, Haryana, are certain of what is in store for them — whether their party will storm to power, or if they will return to their constituencies empty handed. The legislators are said to be resigned to their fate of staying put till the party’s top leaders permit them to return.

MLAs are making the most of the “forced” break from day-to-day work in their constituencies by relaxing in their hotel rooms, eating sumptuous meals and even playing cricket. The “curfew” though is stifling.

“First-time MLAs have no access to their phones to shield them from counterpoaching,” said a source. “Only a few senior legislators have been given access to their mobile phones. The only respite for all the MLAs is that they can take walks — in the cold — enjoy their private parties and play cricket on the lawns of the resort. They have also been barred from interacting with outsiders.”

Sources say the BJP has also barred personal assistants of MLAs from communicating with their bosses. “They (personal assistants) have been forced to stand outside the resort premises and wait to be called inside to attend to their bosses,” the source said.

One BJP MLA said, “The ring leaders for the current round of efforts to topple the government include state BJP president BS Yeddyurappa, Jagadish Shettar, Shobha Karandlaje and Arvind Limbavali. We are ready to pack our bags and return, but there is no indication when that will be.”

A first-time MLA said party leaders have held continuous meetings with them over preparations for the general election. “We are hoping to get some clarity by Wednesday on what the next step is,” said the MLA.