Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde’s customary address to the State Assembly on the opening day of the budget session on Friday was marred by disruptions by the Opposition Congress members. The address was disrupted at least thrice over issues such as water supply in the tribal areas, paper leaks during the government recruitment exams and stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Congress MLA and Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra said the Governor was forced to visit the districts to hold meetings because the BJP government was not performing its duties properly. He said the Governor monitoring water supply in the tribal-dominated areas proved the State government’s failure.
Mr. Bagade said he went to a village and found a house built under PM Aawas Yojna. When he opened the water tap, people said the water had come from Sardar Sarovar, 800 km away.
Reacting to Mr. Dotasra’s charge, Mr. Bagade said a committee related to the welfare of tribal communities was functioning under his jurisdiction and it was his “responsibility and duty” to hold its meetings. “I will visit every district in Rajasthan and hold meetings,” he said.
Mr. Bagade held the previous Congress government responsible for the delay in the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, crisis in the energy sector with the shortage of coal for thermal power plants and paper leaks leading to delays in competitive exams. He alleged that the Jal Jeevan Mission scam during the Congress rule had maligned the State’s image.
The Governor said the State government was working to strengthen the economy, which would be taken to 350 billion U.S. dollars, bringing investments to important sectors through events such as ‘Rising Rajasthan’, taking steps to fill up 81,000 vacancies, and supporting farmers with new schemes for agriculture and irrigation waters.
Meanwhile, Speaker Vasudev Devnani revoked the suspension of Congress MLA Mukesh Bhakar on a motion moved by Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg. Mr. Bhakar was suspended for six months during the previous session for a gesture made during the pandemonium over the appointment of Law Minister Jogaram Patel’s son as the Additional Advocate General.
The House was later adjourned till February 3 after expressing condolence over the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and 17 other political leaders. The State Budget will be presented by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who holds the Finance portfolio, on February 19.
Published – February 01, 2025 01:37 am IST
