Rajasthan Assembly Session Begins with Governor’s Address
The third session of the 16th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly begins with a formal address by Governor Haribhau Bagde. Key developments include budget discussions, political dynamics, and the renaming of the ERCP to Ram Jal Setu.
Jaipur: The much-awaited third session of the 16th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly commenced on Friday with an official address by Governor Haribhau Bagde.
This opening session sets the stage for critical discussions, budget planning, and political maneuvering. Here’s everything you need to know about the beginning of the session, key developments, and what lies ahead.
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Governor’s Formal Address to the Rajasthan Assembly
Governor Haribhau Bagde’s arrival at the Assembly was met with a warm welcome. Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel greeted the Governor with a bouquet.
The formalities continued with the Governor receiving a guard of honor before heading to the House for his inaugural address.
Governor Bagde’s speech marks the start of the legislative session and is anticipated to address various critical issues facing the state. Political observers are keen to see how the Governor will frame the government’s priorities for the coming year, including the budget.
Rajasthan Budget Session: What to Expect?
The Rajasthan state Budget Session is expected to run for approximately 40 days, with the presentation of the state budget anticipated in the second week of February.
This session will be crucial in shaping the economic policies of the state for the coming fiscal year. As the state’s financial blueprint for the year is presented, all eyes will be on how the government plans to allocate resources for key sectors like education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
The budget will also serve as an indicator of how the Rajasthan government plans to address pressing issues, such as unemployment, economic recovery, and development initiatives.
Political Dynamics: BJP and Congress Engage in Preliminary Meetings
In the lead-up to the assembly session, both the Congress and BJP legislative parties held meetings to strategize and discuss their approaches for the session. However, the absence of prominent party figures raised eyebrows.
Notably, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Minister Kirodi Lal Meena were absent from the BJP meeting. Sources suggest that Raje is currently at the Maha Kumbh, where she performed a puja and took a dip at the Triveni Sangam Ghat. Meena, on the other hand, was reportedly unavailable due to other personal commitments.
Similarly, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress National General Secretary Sachin Pilot missed the Congress party meeting. Pilot is busy with the Delhi election campaign, while Gehlot is on a tour of Mumbai.
This absence of key figures sparked political speculation, with some questioning the party cohesion ahead of the crucial legislative discussions.
Legislative Party Meetings: Focus on Constructive Approach
In a move to unify his party and prepare for the challenges ahead, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma chaired a legislative party meeting at his residence. The CM urged MLAs to adopt a constructive approach during the Assembly session, emphasizing that while the opposition may create obstacles, the ruling party must respond with dignity and poise.
CM Sharma’s remarks signaled a readiness for political clashes in the Assembly, especially regarding potential disagreements on policy, governance, and state projects. One of the key points raised by the CM was the comparison of the performance of the Congress-led government during the last three years in power and the BJP’s first year in office.
He proudly claimed that his government leads in critical areas like employment generation and development.
Key Focus: ERCP Renaming Controversy and the Ram Jal Setu
A significant point of contention in the legislative discourse is the renaming of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as “Ram Jal Setu.” The opposition has criticized this decision, but CM Sharma defended it, remarking, “We didn’t name it—God did.” He explained that the name stems from the combination of ‘Ra’ in Rajasthan and ‘Ma’ in Madhya Pradesh, symbolizing the cooperation between the two states.
This renaming issue has sparked a political debate, with the opposition questioning the motives behind the change. The BJP, however, has emphasized the cultural significance of the name and its association with the Ram temple movement.
Suspension of Congress MLA Mukesh Bhakar
In another significant development, sources have indicated that the suspension of Congress MLA Mukesh Bhakar could be revoked on the first day of the new session. The MLA had been suspended following allegations of misconduct, but his return to the Assembly could have implications for party dynamics and the ongoing political negotiations.
Looking Ahead: The Political Landscape
The start of this legislative session is expected to set the tone for the months ahead, with the presentation of the state budget serving as a key focal point for political and economic debates.
As the government seeks to advance its agenda, the opposition will likely intensify its criticisms, particularly on issues like governance, economic growth, and the controversial naming of state projects.
With the state budget coming up, all eyes are on how the government plans to balance fiscal responsibility with public welfare programs. The political temperature is expected to rise as both the ruling party and the opposition prepare for intense discussions and political moves in the coming days.
