The political turmoil in Rajasthan escalated as six Congress MLAs, including Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Govind Singh Dotasra, were suspended for the entire Budget Session. In an unprecedented move, the suspended MLAs spent the night inside the Well of the Assembly in protest. The Congress party has now called for a massive street protest at Chandpaul Circle in Jaipur at 2:30 pm today.

Why Were Congress MLAs Suspended?

The controversy erupted on Friday in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly when Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot made a remark that led to an uproar. While addressing a question regarding hostels for working women, Gehlot said:

"In the 2023-24 budget, also, like always, you named the scheme after your ‘dadi’ (grandmother) Indira Gandhi."

This remark—"Apki Dadi" (your grandmother)—was directed at the opposition benches, triggering immediate protests from Congress MLAs. They stormed into the Well of the House, demanding that the minister apologize and retract his statement.

Multiple Adjournments and the Final Suspension

Following the protest, the Assembly session was adjourned three times as chaos ensued. Finally, when the House reassembled at 4 PM, Government Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg moved a proposal to suspend the protesting Congress MLAs.

Garg accused the Congress legislators of crossing all limits, stating that their conduct towards the Speaker was inappropriate and could not be forgiven. The proposal was passed by voice vote, leading to the suspension of six MLAs for the entire Budget Session.

The Speaker, Vasudev Devnani, then adjourned the House until 11 AM on February 24.

Suspended Congress MLAs

The following six Congress leaders were suspended from the Assembly:

• Govind Singh Dotasra (Rajasthan Congress President)
• Ramkesh Meena (Deputy Leader of Opposition)
• Amin Kagzi
• Zakir Hussain Gesawat
• Hakeem Ali Khan
• Sanjay Kumar Jatav

Following their suspension, these leaders staged a sit-in inside the Assembly premises, refusing to leave. They spent the entire night in the Well of the House, protesting against what they called an unjust and undemocratic decision by the ruling BJP government.

Congress' Response: "Tarnishing the Dignity of the Assembly"

The Rajasthan Congress unit has condemned the suspension, calling it an attack on democracy. Congress leader Tika Ram Jully criticized the government, stating:

"The government has no intention of holding discussions. There is no confrontation from our side. Our only demand is that the words used for Indira Ji be withdrawn. If the ruling party refuses, it is an insult to democracy. Instead of maintaining dignity, they are tarnishing the Assembly's reputation."

Congress leaders argue that their demand for an apology was reasonable, and suspending MLAs for an entire session sets a dangerous precedent.

Congress Plans a Protest at Chandpaul Circle

In response to the suspension and Assembly ruckus, the Congress party has announced a street protest in Jaipur. The demonstration will be held at Chandpaul Circle at 2:30 PM today.

Party leaders have called on supporters, workers, and the public to join the protest against the BJP-led government’s actions. They aim to pressure the government into retracting the suspension and addressing their demands.

Political Reactions: BJP vs Congress

The ruling BJP government in Rajasthan has defended the suspension of Congress MLAs, claiming that their behavior was unruly and disrespectful towards the Speaker.

However, Congress leaders argue that it is actually the ruling BJP that is violating democratic norms, silencing opposition voices instead of allowing healthy discussions in the Assembly.

This incident has further intensified political tensions in Rajasthan, with the Congress accusing the BJP of suppressing dissent, while the BJP maintains that the suspension was necessary to uphold decorum in the House.

What's Next?

With the Congress planning a major street protest, the political atmosphere in Rajasthan is set to heat up. It remains to be seen whether the ruling party will reconsider its decision or if the opposition will continue its agitation inside and outside the Assembly.

For now, all eyes are on Jaipur’s Chandpaul Circle, where the Congress party’s protest is expected to draw a massive turnout.

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