New Delhi: Rajasthan Congress MLAs staged an overnight protest in the Well of the House demanding the reinstatement of suspended MLA Mukesh Bhakar. The protest took a concerning turn as Congress MLA Ramila Khadia’s health deteriorated, allegedly due to police mishandling.
The protesting Congress MLAs unfolded mattresses in the Well of the House and sang bhajans to register their protest against the speaker’s decision. Speaking about the deteriorating health of his colleague, the Leader of Opposition, Tikaram Jully stated that Ramila’s health condition worsened immediately after the police allegedly manhandled them. Jully accused the police of manhandling Khadia and pushing her to the ground, while the BJP denied any wrongdoing.
VIDEO | Congress MLAs continue to protest in the Rajasthan Assembly premises over the suspension of party MLA Mukesh Bhakar.
Over an issue related to the appointment of government lawyers, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani announced the suspension of Mukesh Bhakar on Monday for… pic.twitter.com/B96H6zLv0L
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 5, 2024
The chaos in the Rajasthan state assembly erupted after Bhakar was suspended by chairperson Sandeep Sharma for alleged indecent behaviour, leading to a physical fight with marshals as other Congress MLAs attempted to prevent his expulsion from the floor of the house. The incident sparked a wave of outrage among the opposition, who accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of “undemocratic behaviour” and denying medical assistance for their ailing colleague.
Jully also shared a picture of the protest on X late on Monday night, saying, “Night rest and dharna inside Rajasthan Assembly.”
Despite the tense situation, Congress MLAs remained defiant, spending the night in the Well of the House. They were singing bhajans and refused to move until their demands were met.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Home Minister Jawahar Singh reacted to the incident saying “An MLA made indecent remark against the Rajasthan Speaker. His conduct was also indecent. The Speaker prohibited him from entering the House for two days. The House functions according to the Speaker. We are bound to follow it. Congress has a habit of it. They started protesting and shouting slogans. They should have participated in the discussion. A good budget has come. But they are anguished. Discussions should happen.”