Rajasthan Assembly: Six Congress MLAs Barred from House, Stalemate Persists
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan Assembly faces a persistent deadlock with six suspended Congress MLAs barred from entry after their attempted forcible entrance. Tensions rise due to controversial remarks by the state minister regarding Indira Gandhi, leading to ongoing protests and demands for apologies.
Key Takeaways
- Six Congress MLAs barred from Rajasthan Assembly.
- Stalemate continues over minister's remarks on Indira Gandhi.
- Congress demands suspension revocation and formal apology.
- Accusations of disrespect towards the Speaker escalate tensions.
- Boycott strategy remains firm among Congress MLAs.
Jaipur, Feb 25 (NationPress) The six suspended Congress MLAs were prohibited from entering the Rajasthan Assembly on Tuesday as they attempted to forcibly enter the House but were intercepted by marshals.
The stalemate in the Rajasthan Assembly continued for the fifth consecutive day, with rising tensions following state Minister Avinash Gehlot's comments regarding former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Although the Congress MLAs concluded their sit-in protest within the House, they remain steadfast in their demands, pledging to disrupt proceedings until the suspension of the six MLAs is rescinded and the Minister provides a formal apology.
The Congress MLAs wrapped up their sit-in on Monday, but party workers indicate that the boycott of the Assembly will likely persist on Tuesday.
The crisis escalated further with allegations of disrespect towards the Speaker added to the ongoing conflict between the ruling party and the opposition. The situation deteriorated after Monday's session was adjourned, as Dotasra was accused of using inappropriate language towards the Speaker, amplifying the dispute. Consequently, the reinstatement of the six suspended Congress MLAs remains unresolved.
Having exited the House, the suspended MLAs are currently barred from re-entering until a resolution is reached.
Dotasra reiterated Congress' position, stating, "Until the Minister's remarks are removed from the records and an apology is given, we will abstain from Assembly proceedings."
He further emphasized that if the party's 66 MLAs are unable to participate, they will escalate their protest to the streets, reinforcing the Congress' strategy of boycotting the Assembly.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel placed the blame squarely on Dotasra, claiming he violated a prior agreement made in the Speaker’s chamber. "It was agreed that Dotasra would express regret for his inappropriate approach to the Speaker’s table, but he later declined," Patel stated.
He also criticized Dotasra’s comments regarding the Speaker, describing them as "extremely inappropriate and unacceptable."
Patel accused the Congress leader of deliberately orchestrating the standoff to obstruct legislative actions.
"The people of Rajasthan are observing. What public interest rationale justifies this ongoing disruption?" he questioned.
