What Caused the Turmoil in Rajasthan Assembly Over Crop Damage?

Jaipur, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Assembly was thrown into chaos on Thursday due to the critical issue of extensive crop damage caused by heavy rainfall, with Congress MLAs launching vigorous protests both inside and outside the legislative chamber.

Before the session commenced, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully symbolically drove a tractor to the western gate of the Assembly to draw attention to the plight of farmers. Security staff halted the tractor at the entrance, resulting in a heated exchange.

Subsequently, Jully and fellow Congress MLAs entered the Assembly grounds on foot, bearing samples of ruined crops and banners, vocally accusing the government of negligence. The uproar peaked during Zero Hour when Congress MLAs Amit Chachan, Narendra Budania, and LoP Jully claimed that millions of acres of crops had been devastated. “While the government flies in helicopters, it neglects the farmers' needs. Immediate compensation must be delivered,” Budania asserted.

The protests escalated following a response from Disaster Relief Minister Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena to motions regarding crop damage, in which he promised fair compensation for the affected farmers. During his address, Congress MLA Ashok Chandna attempted to speak without the Speaker's consent, leading to a heated argument that sparked a loud confrontation between the ruling BJP and Congress factions. As the noise grew, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings at 12:34 p.m. until 2 p.m.

In the meantime, a question posed by LoP Tikam Ram Jully concerning changes in the area of the Sariska Tiger Reserve and mining approvals was postponed by the Speaker, citing the ongoing Supreme Court case.

LoP Jully made a dramatic entrance at the Assembly's Western Gate, operating a tractor as a symbol of farmers' distress. At the entrance, opposition members organized a sit-in, accusing the state government of failing to provide necessary relief to farmers.

In his address to the protestors, Jully declared, “We are amplifying the voice of the people, and the government must heed it. This is democracy, which is under threat, but we refuse to allow that. Farmers have suffered catastrophic losses due to the relentless rains.”

The protests by Congress MLAs created a charged atmosphere ahead of the Assembly session, as they pledged to persist in demanding immediate compensation for the impacted farmers.

Despite the tumult, the Assembly is set to deliberate and likely pass significant bills, including the Rajasthan Goods and Services Tax Second Amendment Bill, among others.

Outside the House, Jully reiterated, “Farmers statewide have experienced severe losses of life and property due to the torrential rains. The government has failed to provide any relief. Until justice is served, we will keep raising our voices.”