Congress Holds ‘Mock Assembly’ Protest Outside Vidha Sabha Amid Ongoing Stalemate
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Synopsis
On February 27, the Congress party staged a unique protest by setting up a 'mock Assembly' outside the Rajasthan Assembly amidst an ongoing deadlock, as they demanded the removal of derogatory remarks against Indira Gandhi and sought an apology from the government.
Key Takeaways
- Congress sets up a mock Assembly outside the Vidha Sabha.
- MLA Ghanshyam Mehar acts as Speaker.
- Protest stems from derogatory remarks about Indira Gandhi.
- Six Congress MLAs suspended during the protest.
- Demands for an apology from the government remain unmet.
Jaipur, Feb 27 (NationPress) As the stalemate in the Rajasthan Assembly persists, the Congress party has resorted to an innovative protest by organizing a symbolic ‘mock Assembly’ outside the legislative premises.
In this makeshift Assembly, MLA Ghanshyam Mehar took on the role of ‘Speaker’, while Congress members engaged in discussions, raised inquiries, and even staged interruptions, emulating the official proceedings occurring inside.
Choosing to boycott the actual session, Congress MLAs conducted their own parallel Assembly on the streets on what was meant to be the final day of budget deliberations.
Congress leaders Rafiq Khan, Manish Yadav, Indira Meena, and other MLAs launched a fierce critique of the government, posing pointed questions as Ghanshyam Mehar presided over the gathering as Speaker.
The Leader of the Opposition in Rajasthan, Tika Ram Jully, has been unable to deliver his budget session speech due to the ongoing deadlock.
The Congress party has accused the ruling government of intentionally hindering the Assembly's operations.
State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra has stated that the party demands the removal of derogatory comments made against former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from the Assembly records, along with an apology from the relevant minister. However, he mentioned that the government has remained inflexible.
"Our protest will carry on until our demands are satisfied," Dotasra emphasized. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also supported the Congress demonstration, condemning the government for its obstinate position.
He highlighted that even though Dotasara showed readiness to apologize before the Speaker, the ruling party is unwilling to resolve the deadlock.
This controversy arose from a remark made by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot on February 21, concerning Indira Gandhi, which Congress found offensive.
In protest, Congress MLAs created a ruckus in the House, even advancing towards the Speaker’s chair.
As a result, six Congress MLAs—including Govind Singh Dotasara, Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Zakir Hussain Gasavat, Hakam Ali Khan, and Sanjay Kumar—faced suspension from the Assembly.
