JAIPUR: The Rajasthan assembly witnessed turmoil on Monday when the parliamentary affairs minister, Jogaram Patel, employed language deemed “unparliamentary” within the House. This incident unfolded during the question hour and turned contentious as the assembly reconvened after lunch for discussions on the governor’s address.
The matter was resolved after Patel expressed regret, stating he did not intend to use the word in question.
The situation escalated during a debate when minister Otaram Dewasi answered a question from Congress MLA Chetan Patel regarding crop losses from flooding. Leader of the opposition Tikaram Jully voiced his discontent with the minister’s response and posed counter-questions, triggering a commotion. When Jully pressed the minister for specific figures related to damage in Sangod of Kota, Patel stood up and uttered an inappropriate term.
Upon reconvening after lunch, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra remarked, “The House was in session when the leader of the opposition was speaking. The parliamentary affairs minister not only objected but also resorted to abuse. There’s nothing more regrettable than this.” He further stated, “What could be more shameful than a parliamentary affairs minister using abusive language? We gather here to address the issues of the public, not to be insulted.”
In response, Patel asserted that he and his party always show respect to fellow members, saying, “We articulate our points effectively and do not fall short in this regard. It was never my intention to offend anyone’s dignity.” He continued, “I had no intention of using unparliamentary language in the House, nor will I do so in the future. If I was caught up in the heat of the moment, it was unintentional. Therefore, I request that it be expunged, and I assure you such sentiments will not arise towards any member in the future. I apologize for this,” he added.
Dotasra responded, “If the words were recorded, a formal apology is warranted. Our Dhariwal ji apologized, and I took responsibility for his actions. You are the law minister.” Patel replied, “I did not say that, and if I did, I apologize. We do not remain obstinate like you. We show respect to all.” Later, Speaker Vasudev Devnani urged members to preserve the decorum of the House, stating, “If a mistake occurs, we must take immediate action. If something happens, there is no harm in apologizing.” The House then carried on with the debate on the governor’s address and was adjourned until Wednesday.
