Jaipur, August 27
A day after managing the presence of 71 out of 78 BJP MLAs in her meeting, Leader of Opposition Vasundhara Raje Scindia further consolidated her position in Rajasthan today with Assembly Speaker revoking the suspension of three BJP MLAs with immediate effect.
The Assembly ended the suspension of three BJP MLAs-Gyandev Ahuja, Bhawani Singh Rajawat and Hem Singh Bhadana-by a voice vote on suo motu motion moved by the ruling Congress in the House. The trio was suspended by Speaker Deependra Singh Shekhawat on July 28 for their unruly behaviour and conduct.
Earlier, the BJP boycotted the proceedings of the House and staged a dharna on the stairs of the Assembly even as the suspended MLAs staged a sit-in at the entrance gate after being denied entry into the Vidhan Sabha premises.
Talking to the media, Raje said the ruling party neither wants the House to function smoothly nor wants to listen to the Opposition.
Meanwhile, the suspense over much-talked-about Raje’s suspension continued today with the former CM asserting that she would continue to serve the people of Rajasthan “post or no post”. “I have no plans to leave Rajasthan. Post or no post, I will always live (here), love and take care of the people of Rajasthan without hurting the sentiments of the party,” she said
On the other hand, taking a dig at the BJP over its infighting, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the party had failed to play the role of an active Opposition. "There are so many issues, drought, inflation, power and water crisis but instead of cornering the government, the BJP is grappling with internal bickering," he said while addressing mediapersons. "The party with a 'difference', its slogan of 'chaal, charitra, chehra (actions, character and faces)', and assurance of a life free of fear, hunger and corruption are totally exposed in public now," he said.
Taking a potshot at his bete noire Raje after the BJP boycotted the Assembly session, the CM said, "Due to bitterness and quarrel among its leaders in Delhi and Jaipur, the Leader of Opposition could not decide what to do."
