75 BJP MLAs in Rajasthan under 'lock-in' ahead of RS polls

With Rajya Sabha polls just two days away, the BJP in Rajasthan has resorted to desperate measures to prevent horse trading and defections. The BJP has gathered all its MLAs at a resort near Jaipur - this after four of its MLAs became 'untraceable'.

BJP General Secretary Vasundhara Raje claims the MLAs have been taken to the resort to 'train them on how to vote'. However, Raje has not ruled out the possibility of horse trading by her political rivals ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls on June 17. The party needs all of its 79 MLAs to vote in the polls.

"Many of our legislators are first time MLAs and they need to be made aware of the voting process. We will do that over the next two days," Raje has said, adding "I urge the Congress not to indulge in horsetrading."

The BJP has 79 MLAs in Rajasthan and is looking to win two Rajya Sabha seats. It has the support of one JD(U) MLA, but it needs to get at least two more votes to ensure the victory of both its candidates.

The BJP's first choice for the Rajya Sabha seat is VP Singh - a former MP from Bhilwara and a member of the royal family. While his victory is assured, the BJP's second candidate Ram Jethmalani's chances are a little doubtful. Jethmalani's candidature is controversial as he had earlier defended Afzal Guru in the Rajya Sabha.