In an angry outburst against the Ashok Gehlot government, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje called its functioning as "autocratic" which has choked democratic values to such a suffocating extreme that it warrants intervention of the president of India, since the governor of Rajasthan, SK Singh did not inspire confidence with his bevy of "unconstitutional remarks".

"I believe, the Budget session has been the shortest in the history of Rajasthan. I'm shocked and surprised how the Opposition has been robbed of its opportunity to debate on several issues, including the government's decision to bring in a 49-year-old municipality law when they had the opportunity to introduce the new law modelled by our government," Raje said after the House proceedings ended on Thursday.

Inside the Assembly, all sitting MLAs of BJP left the House, their mouths strapped with white covers as a mark of silent protest, even before Gehlot could table the vote-of-account for the new fiscal. The MLAs of the Left parties also boycotted the session.

Former law minister and Sanganer MLA, Ghanshyam Tiwari said a delegation of the party would take up the matter on hand with their Central leadership and to the president of India.

"We are seeking an appointment from the president to complaint about the government's disregard for democracy and its unconstitutional rulings," he said.

This is a matter which should be reported to the governor but we are not inclined to go to him after his unconstitutional and unacceptable remarks on issues related to the people, Tiwari said.

The BJP, he said, had made an exemplary stand with its novel way of protest. By sealing their lips and deciding not to speak in the Assembly, the Opposition said, it had emulated Gandhian philosophy which, Gehlot – who claims to be a Gandhian – could never understand.

Bhamasha scheme
BJP’s women cell has warned the govt of a statewide protest if it does not resume Bhamasha. Chairperson of the front, Suman Sharma said the govt must get it introduced before the Women’s Day on March 8.  “If the govt fails then we will carry out protests at dist level across the state,” she said.

DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication