Are Hidden Cameras Spying on Women Legislators in Rajasthan Assembly?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of hidden cameras in the Rajasthan Assembly have sparked significant political controversy.
- Congress President Dotasra claims these cameras are used to surveil women legislators.
- Protests have erupted within the Assembly, calling for an investigation.
- The issue raises serious questions about privacy and the conduct of public officials.
- Former Chief Minister Gehlot and LoP Jully have voiced strong opposition to the Speaker's actions.
Jaipur, Sep 13 (NationPress) The political landscape in Rajasthan has become increasingly tumultuous following allegations made by State Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra against Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani regarding the presence of hidden cameras in the Assembly, claiming that the Speaker intends to spy on female legislators.
Dotasra accused the Speaker of secretly installing two additional cameras within the Assembly premises, asserting that these devices are being misused to specifically monitor women legislators.
"The Speaker is eager to observe what women are wearing, their seating conditions, and their discussions. His attention is disproportionately directed towards women. A person lacking in decency deserves to drown in shame," the State Congress President expressed to reporters post a party meeting.
These comments emerged during a strategic gathering at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters, in preparation for the Congress campaign against alleged "vote theft" set to run from September 15 to October 15. Rajasthan Congress in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also engaged with district and division leaders.
The PCC Chief emphasized that the Speaker, holding a Constitutional role, should not have the privilege to conduct such surveillance.
"This requires investigation. A person in a Constitutional role should not have access to cameras monitoring our Opposition sisters in their restrooms," Dotasra alleged.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also criticized Speaker Devnani, labeling the situation as "a very serious matter".
He alleged that the control for the additional cameras was situated in the Speaker's chamber.
"Only he (the Assembly Speaker) or his private secretary can view it. This constitutes a major crime that necessitates investigation," Gehlot stated.
Previously, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and senior Congress figure Tika Ram Jully raised questions on the Assembly floor about who had access to the additional cameras and why they remained operational even after the House was adjourned.
He alleged that the surveillance was aimed at monitoring the Opposition.
LoP Jully has also penned a letter to Governor Harubhau Bagde, demanding an inquiry into the issue.
The controversy surrounding hidden cameras has escalated into a significant political flashpoint in Rajasthan.
The Opposition Congress created a disturbance over the purported secret cameras installed in the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday.
The Congress MLAs donned caps emblazoned with the slogan 'Jagga Jasoos', alleging that spying was being conducted on them via these cameras, which they deemed a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.
LoP Jully accused the BJP of orchestrating a spying operation by installing two covert cameras on the Opposition benches.
"Complete proceedings are recorded while the House is in session, yet our informal discussions are captured through these hidden cameras during adjournment," LoP Jully stated in the House, demanding, "Who has access to these devices?"
Congress MLAs organized protests both inside and outside the House, even boycotting the address of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding the matter.