Cong urges Speaker to disqualify BJP MLA

Jaipur: To seek immediate disqualification of BJP's Anta MLA Kanwarlal Meena after Rajasthan High Court upheld his conviction in a criminal case, a delegation of Congress leaders led by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully Tuesday met Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani.

The delegation included deputy CLP leader Ramkesh Meena, senior MLAs Harimohan Sharma, Rajendra Pareek, among others.

Later, speaking to the media, Jully said, "The manner in which Meena's episode has been handled will remain a blot on those involved in delaying action against him. There can be no justification for the Speaker's silence or inaction on a matter this serious."

He added that senior Opposition MLAs tried to meet the Speaker thrice in the last 15 days but failed each time.

Jully slammed the recent appointments to Assembly committees, terming them a "violation of rules and legislative dignity."

Congress's chief whip Rafeek Khan said, "What we are witnessing is the slow erosion of constitutional discipline inside the Assembly. The Speaker's office must function above partisan interests. If convicted MLAs are allowed to sit unchecked and committee appointments are made without following rules, what message does it send to the people and the bureaucracy?"

Jully also pointed out that the April 30 bulletin announcing the constitution of committees failed to mention their tenure—an omission that violates Rule 253-A, which mandates a two-year term for certain committees.

"Assembly has a proud tradition of upholding procedure, decorum, and transparency. We expect the Speaker to rise to the occasion and protect that tradition," Jully said.