Jaipur, Dec 11 (NationPress) As the Rajasthan government marks its second anniversary in power, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully has launched a fierce critique against the ruling BJP, accusing it of a “prolonged silence” on various pressing issues that Congress MLAs have persistently highlighted.

These matters include spying within the Assembly using hidden cameras, the escalating drug mafia presence in the state, delays in local body elections, the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ initiative, and numerous other governance challenges. Jully contends that the space for the Opposition is diminishing, with their voices being “stifled” in Rajasthan, mirroring trends in other parts of the country.

Here are excerpts from his exclusive interview with IANS.

Question: The state government is celebrating its second anniversary. How do you evaluate its performance?

Jully: The government has been mute on critical issues raised by our MLAs -- whether it's the surveillance in the Assembly, the increasing drug mafia presence, the postponement of local body elections, or concerns related to the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ program. The space for Opposition discourse is contracting. Our microphones are muted, questions remain unaddressed, and the Speaker appears to favor BJP MLAs. Nonetheless, viewers of the Assembly broadcasts have begun to support the Congress, as evidenced by the Anta victory.

Question: You have consistently expressed concerns regarding the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). What is the primary issue?

Jully: The Centre has yet to recognize the ERCP as a national project, as confirmed in a recent Rajya Sabha response. We want to question the BJP -- how much budget has been allocated, and how much has actually been utilized? The ERCP budget was initially sanctioned during the Congress administration. Now, tenders are being hastily approved. The Centre has orchestrated drama -- inviting a neighboring Chief Minister, conducting symbolic ceremonies, and renaming the project -- but has not invested a single rupee. Up to now, there has been zero financial input from the Centre.

Question: The government claims to have generated one lakh jobs and eliminated paper leaks. What is your take?

Jully: They must clarify to the public which positions have been created, the dates, and how many have been filled. Jobs initiated during the Congress period -- already in progress -- are now being claimed by them. Regarding paper leaks, the Congress government established stringent laws. What is happening in BJP-ruled states like Haryana, UP, MP, and even at the Centre? Leaks abound. In the SI paper leak case, the SOG, police, and ministers have issued conflicting statements, and the matter is now before the courts. They are evading real issues.

Question: How do you view the law and order situation in the state?

Jully: Official statistics may appear favorable, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. Murders, rapes, and atrocities are commonplace. Drug, land, and mining mafias are thriving. FIRs are delayed, and we witness persistent protests.

Question: You have accused the government of misusing Assembly procedures. What are your concerns?

Jully: This government shuns discussions on significant topics. Last year, debates on electricity, water, and medical issues were stifled. We have gathered evidence of cameras placed inside the Assembly, and we will soon disclose the full extent of the spying. My microphone was cut, and our MLAs are barred from speaking.

Question: You have also criticized the government’s administrative approach.

Jully: The Chief Minister has to rush to Delhi for even minor decisions. The bureaucracy now operates under two power centers, hindering governance. There is no new planning. Debt is escalating. Each citizen, on average, bears a debt burden of around Rs 1 lakh. New loans are being taken solely to service existing debts.

Question: The BJP claims there is factionalism within Congress. How do you respond?

Jully: There is no factionalism. We are united and focused on our duties. The BJP should examine its internal strife -- the Anta result is a testament to that.

Question: Local body elections have been contentious. What are your thoughts?

Jully: The absence of elections for five years is a grave concern. Administrators are being appointed everywhere. In Nohar, a chairman was removed without due process. The court reinstated him, only for him to be suspended again. This government is blatantly violating court directives. Sarpanches and pradhans appointed by Congress are being dismissed. Our voices are being silenced.

Question: What are your thoughts on Pravasi Diwas and investment promotion?

Jully: We established the single-window system for NRIs. What new facilities has this government introduced? Pravasi Diwas has been reduced to a mere political event. During the Investment Summit, numerous questions were posed -- none were answered, whether in starred questions, RTIs, or in the Assembly.

Question: Minister Kirodi Lal Meena has been conducting raids himself. What is your reaction?

Jully: He had to undertake raids personally because no one else was heeding the situation. He raided factories, but how many arrests were made? The government admitted in the Assembly that no arrests occurred. People are saying: “Kirori arrests, Bhajanlal government releases them.”