Rajasthan Assembly Adjourned Thrice Over Dalit Crimes Debate

The Rajasthan Assembly faced three adjournments on Monday as the opposition pressed the government over rising crimes against Dalits. Zero Hour saw intense debates, with both Bharat Adivasi Party and Congress MLAs raising concerns. The assembly resumed after assurances from the Speaker.

The Rajasthan Assembly was adjourned thrice on Monday as the opposition cornered the government over crimes against Dalits in the state.

During Zero Hour, Bharat Adivasi Party MLA Thavar Chand raised the issue of the murder of a Dalit teacher in Salumbhar district last week, while Congress MLA Pitram Singh Kala highlighted several cases of alleged atrocities against Dalits.

Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully also targeted the government on the issue. Hitting out at the Congress, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel accused the party of shedding crocodile tears.

This caused a ruckus in the House, prompting Speaker Vasudev Devnani to adjourn the proceedings till 2 pm. Within minutes of the House reassembling, the Speaker had to adjourn it again as the uproar continued. When the House reassembled for the second time, Devnani had to adjourn it again for another half an hour. Upon reassembling after the three adjournments, the Speaker assured the opposition that the government would provide an answer during Zero Hour on Tuesday.

Pacified by the Speaker's assurance, the opposition members returned to their seats, allowing the House proceedings to resume. Earlier, during Question Hour, BJP MLA Shrichand Kriplani raised the issue of Congress MLA Shanti Dhariwal using abusive language in the House. Devnani said he would give a ruling on the matter after Question Hour on Tuesday.

The House also gave permission for former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to remain absent during the ongoing budget session due to a slipped disc.

(With inputs from agencies.)