JAIPUR: Congress party members conducted a large demonstration outside the Rajasthan assembly on Monday, protesting against state minister Avinash Gehlot‘s comments regarding former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Police personnel blocked their path with barricades, preventing access to the assembly building.
The protest saw participation from prominent figures including MPs Harish Meena and Murari Meena, along with former minister BD Kalla and other senior party officials.
The controversy erupted after Gehlot’s comments last Friday, which led to Congress leaders initiating a sit-in protest within the assembly premises.
During Friday’s Question Hour, the social welfare minister addressed the opposition stating, “In the 2023-24 budget of also, like always, you named the scheme (on working women’s hostels) after your ‘dadi’ (grandmother) Indira Gandhi.”
This statement caused significant disruption in the House, resulting in three adjournments and the suspension of six Congress MLAs, including PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasara, Ramkesh Meena, Amin Kagzi, Jakir Hussain, and Sanjay Kumar.
Following the House adjournment on Friday, Congress MLAs initiated a sit-in protest, demanding both an apology from the minister and withdrawal of the suspensions.
Key highlights:
- Congress party members staged a massive demonstration outside the Rajasthan Assembly on Monday, protesting against state minister Avinash Gehlot’s remarks about former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Security personnel blocked protesters from entering the assembly premises, using barricades to restrict their movement.
- The demonstration saw participation from key leaders, including MPs Harish Meena and Murari Meena, former minister BD Kalla, and other senior party officials.
- The controversy erupted after Gehlot’s remark during Friday’s Question Hour, where he referred to Indira Gandhi as “your dadi” (grandmother) while discussing a budget scheme, leading to major disruptions in the House.
- Following the suspension of six Congress MLAs, including PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasara, the party demanded an apology from Gehlot and the withdrawal of suspensions while continuing their sit-in protest.