Congress turncoats Alpesh Thakor and Dhavalsinh Zala on Monday submitted to the Gujarat High Court that they will file reply to the petitions filed by Congress chief whip in the legislative assembly Ashwin Kotwal seeking directions to the speaker of the state legislative assembly to ensure that they are not allowed to participate in the present house in any manner. Congress is apprehending that Thakor and Zala might return to the house after contesting bypolls and therefore, has sought their disqualification for the remainder of the fourteenth term of the assembly. During the hearing of the case, the counsels for Kotwal insisted on issuance of a formal notice by the court to the MLAs. However, the senior advocate appearing for the former MLAs contended that he has instructions to appear on their behalf; thus, there was no need to issue a formal notice. He also submitted that he will file reply to the petitions filed by Kotwal. Following the submissions, the court adjourned the matter for further hearing on August 29 before which Thakor and Zala have to file their replies. According to the petitioner, Thakor had given up membership of Congress for which the party filed an application seeking his disqualification under the provisions of anti-defection, which was allegedly not adjudicated by the speaker. Thereafter, Thakor allegedly incurred disqualification by voting contrary to the mandate of the Congress during Rajya Sabha elections. A separate disqualification petition was preferred by the party, but instead of adjudicating on the same, the speaker accepted the resignations tendered by both Thakor and Zala.

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