Jaipur: Congress MLAs staged an overnight protest in Rajasthan assembly with mattresses, food and bhajans after the suspension of six party members. The MLAs demanded an apology from Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Minister Avinash Gehlot for his remarks.
The Assembly will remain adjourned till Monday amid the ongoing political standoff. Despite several attempts to hold discussions, no agreement was reached. Congress leaders continued to push for the withdrawal of the suspensions, while the government remained firm on its decision.
Congress MLAs protest inside assembly
After being suspended, the six Congress MLAs refused to leave the assembly and started a sit-in protest. They stayed inside overnight, even sleeping in the House. To express their opposition, they sang devotional songs and placed mattresses in the assembly. Their main demand is for Minister Avinash Gehlot to apologize for his remarks.
Meanwhile, Congress announced protests across all districts on Saturday. As part of this protest, party workers will burn effigies of the minister.
No agreement between state government and Opposition
Discussions between the ruling party and the suspended MLAs continued late into Friday night, but no solution was reached. Several ministers visited the protesting MLAs to speak with them, but the deadlock remains.
With the Assembly adjourned for the weekend, the protest is expected to continue till Monday when proceedings resume.
What led to political row?
The issue started during the question hour in the Assembly on Friday. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot made a comment about former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while answering a question. He said, “In 2023-24, the scheme was named after your grandmother Indira Gandhi.”
This remark angered Congress MLAs, who protested and rushed towards the speaker’s table. In response to the chaos, the Speaker initially adjourned the assembly for 30 minutes.
When the session resumed at 4 pm, chief whip Jogeshwar Garg proposed suspending the Congress MLAs, including senior leader Govind Singh Dotasara. The speaker, Vasudev Devnani, then announced the suspension of six Congress MLAs for the entire budget session.
What happens to suspended MLAs?
- They will not be allowed to enter the assembly office.
- They cannot ask any questions in the assembly during this session.
- They will not receive any additional allowances or facilities that are normally provided to MLAs during the session.
