Three senior Rajasthan government ministers on Thursday, 20 August sharply criticised the Indian National Congress (Congress) for remaining absent from the state Legislative Assembly during the full rendition of Vande Mataram on the opening day of the monsoon session. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders argued that the Opposition's absence reflected a troubling attitude toward national sentiment and democratic conventions.

Who Said What

Urban Development and Local Self-Government Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra said the Congress' conduct had exposed its mindset toward Vande Mataram and the motherland. He acknowledged that dissent is an essential part of democracy, but stressed that the Opposition should present objections inside the House with decorum and factual arguments. Kharra alleged that Congress representatives were choosing protests and disruption over legislative debate despite being elected to represent people's concerns in the Assembly. 'If issues are raised logically,' he said, 'the government is bound to consider them.'

Appeasement Charge and Gate Controversy

Minister of State for Home Affairs Jawahar Singh Bedham accused Congress of deliberately boycotting the proceedings to avoid participating in the Vande Mataram rendition. He alleged the party was pursuing appeasement politics and attempting to mislead the people of Rajasthan. Bedham also highlighted the state government's work across law and order, electricity, water, employment, farmers' welfare, women's empowerment, and the welfare of weaker sections.

Assembly Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg said it was unfortunate that Congress remained absent from the House and had created a controversy over Assembly gate arrangements. He clarified that Gates 1 and 7 were open and that legislators could have entered through them. Garg said such conduct outside the Assembly premises undermines the dignity of constitutional institutions.

Opposition Urged to Return to the Floor

All three leaders called on Congress to use the Assembly as a platform to raise public issues through facts, debate, and constructive suggestions, rather than staging protests outside. They maintained that the House belongs to all elected representatives and should be used to discuss matters of public interest.

Tree Protection Legislation Highlighted

Separately, Chief Whip Garg drew attention to tree-protection legislation introduced during the session, describing it as a significant initiative to protect the Khejri tree and other species, and to conserve Rajasthan's traditional Orans — sacred groves integral to the state's cultural and ecological heritage. He said the proposed measures would strengthen the state's commitment to environmental conservation.

The Congress is yet to issue a formal response to the BJP's allegations. The monsoon session is expected to see further sparring between the ruling party and the Opposition over legislative priorities and decorum.