Rajasthan Assembly Witnesses Turmoil Over Minister's Controversial Remarks About Tribals

The Rajasthan assembly faced disruptions over controversies involving a minister's remarks on tribals and FIRs against Congress leaders.

File photo of Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar.

Source : PTI

The Rajasthan assembly witnessed turmoil on Tuesday over issues including cases registered against Congress leaders and the controversial statements of a minister regarding tribal communities.

The proceedings in the Rajasthan assembly were disrupted twice, primarily due to heated debates surrounding Education Minister Madan Dilawar's comments and the FIRs against Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra and opposition leader Tikaram Jully in Kota.

As per the report of PTI, a war of words broke out between Education Minister Madan Dilawar and newly elected Banswara MP and Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) leader Rajkumar Roat last month after the minister suggested a DNA test to verify whether the tribal leader is a Hindu or not.

In response, Dilwar, last month, in a contentious speech said, "If the BAP leader does not consider himself Hindu, then a DNA test should be done to verify whether he is the son of a Hindu." On Thursday, the issue was raised in the Rajasthan assembly.

Referring to the controversial statement of Dilawar, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully said there was no comment from the chief minister or the BJP condemning the remarks of the minister. "The entire opposition demands that the chief minister should take the resignation of the minister. The minister should apologise in the House," he said, PTI reported.

During the zero hour in the house, the opposition leaders stormed into the Well of the House and created an uproar. They also lashed out at the FIR registered against Congress state chief Govind Singh Dotasra and Jully in Kota during a recent protest. To counter the opposition, a few BJP MLAs also made their way towards the Well. The Speaker adjourned the House for thirty minutes after repeated orders to restore order were not followed.

'Tribal Communities Have Existed On This Land Since Ancient Times:' Dilawar

After the House reassembled, the proceedings were normal but the opposition again raised the same demand. Dilawar clarified that his remarks were not meant as an insult to the tribal communities, stating that he respects both them and the notable tribal figures. "The tribal (communities) have saved our culture. It has never been my intention to speak negatively about the tribal society. I recognise that the tribal communities have inhabited this country since time immemorial and they are widely respected," he said.

Dilawar stated that a journalist had questioned him about the statement of Roat that the tribal people are not Hindus. In response, he added that they are Hindus and will remain so. "The tribal communities have existed on this land since ancient times, and in that sense, we are all tribals," he said.

During the speech of ministers, a few opposition members interrupted and demanded an apology. The Speaker responded angrily to this.

Dilwar continued, "We all consider ourselves tribals because our roots are ancient. I pay homage and respect to the great tribal leaders and constantly invoke their names with reverence." "Regarding the comment... I had said some words which should not have been spoken, but I had said if he does not consider himself as a Hindu then it should be examined," he said, PTI reported.

However, the opposition leaders continued to create turmoil. Amid this, the Speaker had to adjourn the House for half-an-hour.

Upon the reconvening of the House, the opposition leader restated the demand that the minister should make an apology. He stated the minister should apologise and the chief minister should resign. Later, the opposition walked out of the House. Jully said the opposition is to boycott the proceedings of the House for the rest of the day.