Jaipur, February 27: The political deadlock in the Rajasthan Assembly showed no resolution as Congress MLAs continued their protest on Thursday, boycotting proceedings and staging a mock session outside the Assembly. The demonstration was in response to remarks made by state minister Avinash Gehlot against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which have led to a heated standoff between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress.
The controversy escalated last Friday after Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra allegedly made undignified comments about Speaker Vasudev Devnani. The impasse has resulted in a week-long disruption of Assembly proceedings.
Congress MLAs Take Protest Outside the House
Carrying placards, opposition MLAs marched from their residences to the Assembly premises and staged a sit-in, demanding an apology from Avinash Gehlot. As part of their protest, they conducted a mock 'Question Hour' outside, with MLA Ghanshyam presiding as the ‘chair’ while other members raised questions about the conduct of ruling BJP leaders.Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged both sides to cooperate to resolve the deadlock. "The tension is unnecessary. The House should function smoothly, and both the treasury and opposition benches should work together without ego," he said.
Opposition Accuses Government of Avoiding Debate
Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully reiterated that Congress was open to dialogue but alleged that the ruling party was deliberately stalling discussions. "We stayed in the Assembly for three days in protest. Despite multiple talks and three Opposition leaders expressing regret, the minister has not responded," Jully said.He added that Congress was willing to engage in discussions and even visit the Speaker’s residence to clear the air but accused the government of being afraid to face questions on ministerial performance. "They do not want the Assembly to function," he stated.
BJP Calls for Apology from Congress Leader
Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham defended Avinash Gehlot's comments, asserting that the term ‘dadi’ (grandmother) used for Indira Gandhi was not unparliamentary. He pointed out that Jawaharlal Nehru was popularly called ‘chacha’ (uncle) and questioned why the term was being made an issue.Bedham also aimed Ashok Gehlot, accusing him of focusing more on social media than raising concerns in the Assembly. Additionally, he demanded an apology from Govind Singh Dotasra for his remarks against the Speaker. "Dotasra is on a dignified post as the party’s state chief. He should apologize and allow the House to function smoothly," he said.
Assembly Disruptions and Suspensions
The controversy erupted during the Question Hour on Friday when Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot while discussing the budget for 2023-24, remarked that Congress had named a scheme on working women's hostels after their ‘dadi’ Indira Gandhi. The comment sparked a major uproar, leading to multiple adjournments and the suspension of six Congress MLAs.Since then, Congress legislators have been demanding an apology from the minister and the revocation of the suspension. However, negotiations in the Speaker’s chamber have failed to break the deadlock, as Speaker Devnani and the parliamentary affairs minister remained unsatisfied with Dotasra’s response.
The standoff continues with the Assembly's functioning in limbo, leaving legislative discussions on key issues stalled.
Last updated by a enewsx:
