Why is Ashok Gehlot Blasting the Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Over Extra Cameras?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashok Gehlot raises serious concerns regarding surveillance in the Rajasthan Assembly.
- Accusations against Speaker Vasudev Devnani highlight issues of transparency.
- Gehlot calls for an investigation into the funding of the extra cameras.
- Electoral integrity comes into question with claims of vote theft.
- Citizens are urged to protect their voting rights.
Jaipur, Sep 13 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has intensified the political debate surrounding the suspected installation of additional cameras in the state Assembly. He is directly accusing Speaker Vasudev Devnani of engaging in a serious crime.
Addressing the press at the State Congress headquarters, Gehlot claimed that two extra cameras were set up within the Assembly, with their control system located in the Speaker's office.
"Only he (the Rajasthan Assembly Speaker) or his private secretary can access this. This is a major crime and a significant issue that warrants an investigation. What authority does the Speaker have to install cameras on the Opposition side and monitor their discussions?" he questioned.
Gehlot also took issue with Speaker Devnani's recent comments regarding State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra, in which the Speaker allegedly challenged Dotasra's qualifications as an MLA.
"To tell a respected member that he is unfit to be an MLA, especially in his absence? What authority does the Speaker possess? Such statements cannot be made without a proper debate in the House," Gehlot stated, emphasizing that casual discussions during House breaks should not be considered formal proceedings.
The former Chief Minister underscored the need for a thorough investigation into the installation and funding of these extra cameras.
"The Governor should initiate an inquiry. The Assembly must understand the rationale behind the installation of these cameras and the source of their funding," he asserted.
Shifting focus to electoral integrity, Gehlot claimed that vote theft has become a rampant issue.
"News has spread to every village that elections are being won through vote theft. This poses a significant threat to democracy. The primary responsibility of the Election Commission is to ensure free and fair elections. Even during the Partition, polls were conducted without adequate resources, yet people had faith in the process. Today, the behavior of top officials within the Commission is under scrutiny," he commented.
Gehlot called on citizens to rally behind the Congress in its fight against alleged vote theft to "preserve their voting rights and safeguard democracy."