Congress MLAs in Rajasthan have begun a protest outside the state assembly in support of their six suspended colleagues. Their protest against the suspension has intensified, with MLAs raising b slogans. They allege the suspension is politically motivated and that the state government is attempting to undermine democratic processes. The protesting MLAs claim this action has created a crisis for democratic values.
Rajasthan Politics
Amidst the ongoing deadlock in the Rajasthan Assembly, Congress MLAs have staged a sit-in outside the assembly premises to protest the suspension of six of their colleagues. The protest is being led by the Congress state president, Govind Dotasra. During the demonstration, Congress MLAs are demanding the immediate revocation of the suspensions and an end to the deadlock.
The protesting MLAs chanted slogans such as "Mr. Speaker, do justice" and "Dictatorship will not be tolerated." Their placards read, "Rajasthan will not tolerate the insult of Indiraji" and "BJP government, answer." Congress leaders have termed the suspension as political vendetta and accused the BJP government of authoritarianism.
Conversely, BJP state president Madan Rathore accused the Congress of merely playing politics. He stated that Congress is unnecessarily escalating the issue. Furthermore, the Leader of the Opposition, Tikaram Juli, claimed the government is deliberately maintaining the deadlock in the assembly because ministers are unable to provide satisfactory answers to opposition questions and their performance has deteriorated.
The Controversy Begins with Abhinav Gehlot's Remarks
The deadlock in the Rajasthan Assembly is escalating, primarily due to a comment made by Minister Abhinav Gehlot. During question hour last week, while answering a question regarding hostels for working women, Gehlot, while gesturing towards the opposition, remarked, "As always, in the 2023-24 budget, you named this project after your 'grandmother' Indira Gandhi."
This remark led to an uproar in the house, causing repeated adjournments. Congress MLAs bly opposed the comment and intensified their protest against the government. Congress leaders labeled it insulting and a display of political authoritarianism, while the BJP accused Congress of playing politics. This controversy has disrupted assembly proceedings, and currently, no improvement in the situation is visible.
Deadlock Continues for a Week
Six Congress MLAs have been suspended from the Rajasthan Assembly due to the uproar. This action followed demonstrations in the house by state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra, Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Zakir Hussain, Hakim Ali, and Sanjay Kumar, among other Congress MLAs.
Congress MLAs staged a sit-in in the assembly demanding an apology for Minister Abhinav Gehlot's controversial remarks and the revocation of the suspensions. Following this, the opposition Congress boycotted the house proceedings. This deadlock, which began on Friday, remains unresolved, and no improvement in the situation is evident.
Congress alleges the government deliberately took this step to obstruct assembly proceedings, while the BJP attributes it to the opposition's political tactics and attempts at non-cooperation.
