JAIPUR: The Rajasthan budget session began on Wednesday amid uproar, with Congress legislators staging a dramatic protest against the renaming of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to VB–G RAM G.
In a symbolic demonstration at the Assembly gates, Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully, state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra and other Congress MLAs arrived carrying pickaxes, shovels and trowels, raising slogans against the state government’s decision.
The session commenced at 11 am with Governor Hari Bhau Bagde delivering his address to the House, which lasted one hour and 21 minutes.
Before concluding, the Governor expressed confidence that the state government’s resolve to uplift all sections of society, including youth, farmers and women, would be fulfilled with the cooperation of the House. He urged MLAs to engage in constructive debate, uphold the dignity of the House and respect constitutional values.
Reacting sharply, Jully termed the Governor’s address “a bundle of lies” and accused the government of misleading the House. He alleged that Agriculture Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena was smiling during the address as the Governor was being “forced to read false claims” and criticised the government’s overall performance. “Procurement at minimum support price did not happen. Law and order has deteriorated. A loan of Rs 270 crore was given for the Lakhpati Didi scheme. The entire address is a bundle of lies, and the government has failed,” he said.
Meanwhile, independent MLA Ritu Banawat from Bayana in Bharatpur, who faces allegations of taking commissions in MLA funds, arrived at the Assembly wearing a saree emblazoned with “Demand for CBI inquiry”.
MLAs Rewantram Danga and Anita Jatav were also caught on camera allegedly engaging in commission deals in a sting operation. Banawat said, “For the first time in Rajasthan’s history, MLAs have been accused of taking commissions. I want the matter investigated by the CBI so the truth can come out.”
The debate on the Governor’s address is scheduled to begin on January 29 and is expected to continue for three to four days, possibly followed by a week-long recess. The state budget will be presented in the Assembly on February 11.
The budget session is expected to be highly contentious, with disagreements on more than 16 issues likely to dominate proceedings. Both the ruling party and the opposition have held legislative party meetings to finalise their strategies.
The session is likely to last around three weeks. Key legislations, including the Disturbed Areas Act and bills related to elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies, may be introduced during this period.
After the Governor’s address and obituary references, the House was adjourned for the day and will reconvene on Thursday.