Did Rajasthan Assembly Witness Uproar Over 'Vote Theft'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress protests against alleged vote theft.
- BJP members respond with counter-slogans.
- Speaker emphasizes the need for decorum.
- Legislative changes regarding labor laws proposed.
- Session expected to be contentious with ongoing protests.
Jaipur, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Monsoon Session of the Rajasthan Assembly commenced on Monday amid a significant uproar, as Congress MLAs vociferously chanted slogans accusing the ruling party of vote theft and waved banners within the Assembly chamber.
In response, BJP members countered with slogans like 'Gaalibaaz Rahul Gandhi, Gaalibaaz Congress' to counter the Congress's 'vote thief gaddi chhor' chants.
Prior to the session, Congress MLAs donned white T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Vote chor, gaddi chhor (vote thief, leave the chair).”
Despite numerous calls for order from Speaker Vasudev Devnani, the Congress legislators persisted with their demonstrations.
Expressing frustration, the Speaker remarked, “Maintain the dignity of the House. This cannot operate like a marketplace or a crossroads.” He also directed remarks towards the Leader of Opposition, Tika Ram Jully, urging him to exemplify proper conduct.
Leader of Opposition Jully accused the BJP of having stolen votes during both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, alleging that the party rigged results in Jaipur Rural as well.
Meanwhile, Independent MLA from Shiv, Ravindra Singh Bhati, entered the Assembly with 'Khejri Bachao' posters, demanding the immediate enforcement of the Khejari Conservation Act. He warned that a delay would result in a strong protest.
Earlier, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar presented the Rajasthan Health Sciences University Amendment Bill, 2025, intending to pass it during this session. The House also honored 10 deceased leaders, including former Governor Satyapal Malik.
The report from the Select Committee on the Coaching Centre Regulation Bill was presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Committee Chairman Dr. Premchand Bairwa. Additionally, the Speaker informed members about the vacancy of the Anta Assembly seat.
A total of seven bills, including one amended bill passed by the cabinet on Sunday, will be introduced during this session. The Factories (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2025, amends the Factories Act of 1948, facilitating significant changes in labor laws. It allows women to work night shifts and modifies working limits, such as extending daily work hours from 9 to 10 (within a 48-hour weekly limit), increasing continuous work before rest from 5 to 6 hours, and extending the maximum permissible time at the workplace from 10.5 to 12 hours.
However, the disruptions on the opening day suggest that this session is poised to be contentious, with the opposition intensifying its scrutiny of the BJP.