Cong creates ruckus, walks out of House over 'shortfall' in ministers

The first day of the Rajasthan Assembly was adjourned amid huge uproar by opposition Congress, which blamed that BJP government of not having the minimum required ministers.

 Congress raised the issue that any state government, as per Constitution, should have at least 12 ministers, but BJP doesn’t fulfil the condition. 

The opposition members also staged a symbolic walkout and demanded the Speaker to take action against the government and stop the House proceedings.

But the House was adjourned after it paid tribute to 12 legislators who have passed away.This was one of the rare occasions when the opposition interrupted the House on the very first day, which is only meant to pay tribute.

As Speaker Kailash Meghwal took up business in the House, Leader of Opposition Rameshwar Dudi raised objection that the BJP government has little influence in Rajasthan as it does not fulfill Article 164 (4) of the Constitution, according to which it must have 12 ministers.

Congress leaders objected that one of its minister Sanwar Lal Jat had resigned from the Rajasthan House after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Ajmer on May 29, and the BJP government falls short of ministers.  

“Sawarlal was included in the cabinet on December 20. On January 21, he took oath as MLA. He has already resigned as MLA but continued as minister. In such a situation, his tenure automatically ends on June 20,” said Rameshwar Dudi. 

If the ruling party wanted Sawarlal to continue as minister, it should have reinducted him and administered the oath again, he added.

Rejecting the demand of the opposition, the Speaker said, “The government is very much in existence. There is no constitutional crisis. No one can be allowed to speak while the House is paying obituary to departed leaders on its first day.”

Then Congress members staged a walkout from the Assembly. Later, Congress legislator Sukhram sat in the well over local issues of his constituency and tried to interrupt the proceedings.

After the House was adjourned, Congress leaders sent a memorandum to Rajasthan Governor Margaret Alva. 

The Rajasthan Budget will be presented on July 14 in the state Assembly.