Rajasthan: Congress Protests Against 'Dadi' Comments on Indira Gandhi
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Congress staged a protest at Vidhan Sabha against minister Avinash Gehlot for referring to Indira Gandhi as 'Dadi', leading to heightened tensions and the suspension of several Congress MLAs. The protest has continued for four days as attempts to resolve the standoff have failed.
Key Takeaways
- Congress protests against remarks on Indira Gandhi.
- Minister Avinash Gehlot's comments sparked controversy.
- Security measures prevented Congress from advancing.
- Suspensions of key Congress leaders occurred.
- Protests persisted for four consecutive days.
Jaipur, Feb 24 (NationPress) On Monday, Congress organized a protest at the Vidhan Sabha against state minister Avinash Gehlot, who allegedly disrespected opposition MLAs by referring to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as ‘Dadi’.
Strict security measures were implemented, restricting Congress workers from advancing beyond Sahakar Bhawan.
Authorities even set up barricades on the road from Bharat Petrol Pump at 22 Godown Circle, establishing two layers of barriers.
On February 21, during the Question Hour, Congress members interrupted proceedings by storming the well of the House in protest of Minister Avinash Gehlot’s comments about former PM Indira Gandhi, whom he referred to as ‘Dadi’.
While answering a question, Gehlot mentioned that in 2023-24, a specific scheme was named after “your Dadi, Indira Gandhi,” prompting protests from Congress legislators.
As tensions heightened, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel defended the minister's terminology, asserting that “Dadi” (grandmother) is a term of respect. However, this explanation only escalated the uproar, leading Congress MLAs to approach the Speaker’s table. Consequently, the Speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes.
The stalemate continued throughout the day, resulting in a total of four adjournments. Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg submitted a proposal to suspend several Congress MLAs, which Speaker Vasudev Devnani sanctioned.
As a result, six legislators - Govind Singh Dotasra, Deputy Leader of Opposition Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Zakir Hussain Gasavat, Hakam Ali Khan, and Sanjay Kumar - were suspended for the remainder of the budget session.
Meanwhile, Congress MLAs have maintained their protest inside the Assembly for the fourth consecutive day, having spent three nights in the House.
The controversy, initially ignited by Minister Avinash Gehlot’s remarks, has intensified following the suspension of prominent Congress leaders, including state president Govind Singh Dotasra.
To date, the government’s attempts to resolve the deadlock have proven unsuccessful.
