Synopsis
A heated debate arose in the Rajasthan Assembly after a BJP minister's comment about Indira Gandhi. The Opposition reacted strongly, leading to protests and multiple adjournments. Tensions escalated as accusations were exchanged, highlighting the ongoing political strife between parties.Key Takeaways
- Indira Gandhi comment by a BJP minister sparked controversy.
- Opposition condemned the remarks as inappropriate.
- Congress MLAs protested in the House.
- Multiple adjournments occurred due to the uproar.
- Accusations of deliberate disruption were exchanged between parties.
Jaipur, Feb 21 (NationPress) A contentious debate unfolded in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday during Question Hour after a comment regarding the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was made by a BJP minister.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot, addressing a query, noted that in the recent budget for 2023-24, the scheme was once again named after "your grandmother, Indira Gandhi."
This remark incited a fierce backlash from the Opposition.
Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully denounced the comment, labeling it as inappropriate and asserting that such terminology should not be directed towards a former Prime Minister.
The atmosphere escalated as Congress MLAs surged into the Well of the House, chanting slogans in protest.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel endeavored to calm the situation, insisting that the term "Dadi" (grandmother) was employed in a respectful manner. Nevertheless, the protest intensified, with legislators surrounding the Speaker’s table. As the chaos amplified, the Speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes at 11:36 am.
Even after the session recommenced at 12:36 pm, the disruption continued.
Congress MLAs maintained their protests in the Well of the House, prompting another suspension of the proceedings until 2 pm.
Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel accused the Opposition of intentionally interrupting the session.
He claimed that the BJP ministers were delivering effective and factual replies, while Congress leaders resorted to disruptions.
Patel further alleged that certain Congress leaders approached the Speaker in an attempt to intimidate him and even tried to seize documents.
The Speaker had no choice but to adjourn the proceedings to avert any untoward incidents.
After the adjournment, Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra criticized the ruling BJP, accusing them of purposefully derailing Assembly functions.
He proclaimed that the Opposition would not accept insults within the House and claimed that ministers were not providing adequate answers.
He concluded that such conduct was detrimental to the efficient operation of the legislature.
As tensions continued to escalate in the Rajasthan Assembly, the political deadlock between the ruling party and the Opposition remained unresolved.
