Are Inflated Prices for Cameras in the Rajasthan Assembly a Sign of Corruption?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inflated Prices: Allegations of corruption due to high purchase costs.
- Privacy Concerns: New cameras reportedly violate the privacy of Opposition MLAs.
- Long-standing Practice: Existing cameras have always had public access to their feeds.
- Undemocratic Actions: The installation raises questions about the government's integrity.
- Public Scrutiny: Citizens are demanding answers from their representatives.
Jaipur, Sep 13 (NationPress) The scandal surrounding hidden cameras in the Rajasthan Assembly has recently escalated. On Saturday, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and prominent Congress figure, Tika Ram Jully, contended that the installation of two additional cameras was intended not only for surveillance of Opposition MLAs but also involved purchases at inflated prices exceeding the typical market rates.
Jully asserted that these exorbitant costs indicate potential corruption and vested interests influencing this decision, in addition to the serious allegations of violating privacy.
He has brought serious accusations against the BJP-led Rajasthan government and Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani concerning the installation of these extra CCTV cameras in the House.
Jully noted that after the Opposition Congress vehemently protested against these cameras as tools for spying, there are now attempts to change access permissions and eliminate previous evidence.
He emphasized that CCTV cameras have been part of the Assembly for many years, with their live feeds accessible to the media and the public through YouTube.
"Until now, no Assembly member has raised concerns regarding this practice. However, during this session, two additional cameras were placed, and their live broadcasts were directed to a particular individual rather than any media outlet or YouTube," he claimed.
Questioning this 'secret viewer', Jully asked: "Who is this specific person, and what were they observing that couldn't be shared with the public? Was there an intent to breach the privacy and confidentiality of Opposition MLAs?"
He further alleged that the procurement of these cameras could have been made at inflated prices.
"Technical experts indicate that cameras with identical specifications as those in the tender are readily available in the market at lower prices. It seems these cameras were designed not only to intrude on privacy but also to satisfy some vested interests in their acquisition," Jully commented.
Labeling the act as 'undemocratic', he remarked that the citizens of Rajasthan are questioning the motives of the state government.
"The state government and Assembly Speaker must clarify: Who was the 'Jagga Jasoos' monitoring Opposition MLAs? Were these cameras procured at above-market prices, and if so, why?"