The political controversy surrounding the installation of two “hidden–extra” cameras in the Rajasthan Assembly has taken an ugly turn following offensive remarks allegedly made against Speaker Vasudev Devnani by Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra.
On Friday, the principal opposition party leadership submitted a memorandum to Governor Haribhau Bagade over the issue. The Congress kept the matter alive yesterday as well, with former CM Ashok Gehlot, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully, and PCC chief Dotasra continuing to raise concerns.
While Gehlot and Jully largely confined themselves to demanding a high-level inquiry into the matter, Dotasra’s sensational allegations of “discrimination against the opposition and indecency” by Speaker Devnani have added a serious twist, triggering sharp reactions from the ruling BJP.
Gehlot told the media: “Just see, they have installed two extra cameras—in addition to the usual ones used for live telecast of Assembly proceedings. The control system of those extra cameras is in the Speaker’s Chamber. Only the Speaker or his personal staff can view or listen through those cameras.”
LoP Jully, in a separate briefing, said: “These two cameras, costing the Assembly Rs 18.46 lakh, were bought recently. They are not old ones, as stated by Speaker Devnani. The upgraded cameras the Assembly had ordered have not yet been delivered. The cameras in question are indeed new purchases worth Rs 18.46 lakh.”
Jully further alleged that Assembly officials were “busy destroying evidence” and manipulating documents.
However, Dotasra escalated the matter further by alleging: “These cameras were meant to keep tabs only on the Congress, particularly on three to four of us, including our women members. The Speaker wanted to watch women MLAs from his Rest Room—how they are dressed, how they are sitting, what they are talking about.”
The PCC president also accused the Speaker of discrimination, claiming that he patronized treasury bench members while targeting the opposition.
In response, Speaker Devnani cited a popular phrase: “Jaki rahi bhavna jaisi, prabhu murat dekhi tin taisi” (The way one chooses to perceive the Lord, in that very form the Lord appears to him).
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari reacted sharply: “This shows the narrow mentality and ill psyche of the Congress leader. Instead of addressing people’s issues, they are indulging in vote-oriented politics. As far as accusations about women’s security are concerned, I have never felt uncomfortable in the House.”
Education Minister Madan Dilawar launched a scathing attack, calling Dotasra “characterless” and citing his “poor track record.” He also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of displaying indecency in public events.
Food and Civil Supply Minister Sumit Godara and Urban Development Minister Jhabbar Singh Kharra strongly condemned Dotasra’s remarks: “His conduct and utterances are unbecoming of an elected representative. He showed no respect for the high constitutional office of the Speaker.”
Several ruling BJP leaders, including state president Madan Rathore, described Dotasra’s comments as a gross breach of Assembly decorum.
Meanwhile, BJP workers in Ajmer, Speaker Devnani’s hometown, staged protests against Dotasra’s remarks. They carried out a procession and burnt his effigy at Gandhi Circle.