The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly witnessed intense scenes on Tuesday, February 17, during a discussion on cow welfare and protection. The controversy began when BJP MLA from Hawamahal, Balmukund Acharya, raised a query regarding the possibility of declaring the cow as the 'State Mother' (Rajya Mata). The state government, in its official response, stated that there is currently no such proposal under consideration. This statement triggered a sharp reaction from the opposition benches. The situation escalated further when the issue of Hingonia Gaushala was mentioned. BJP MLA Gopal Sharma became visibly agitated when his name was linked to the matter, challenging that he would resign from his assembly membership if any of his associates were found involved in any wrongdoing.
Escalation of Conflict After House Adjournment
Even after the proceedings of the House were adjourned due to the uproar, the tension didn't subside. According to eyewitness accounts and reports from the assembly, MLA Gopal Sharma crossed over to the opposition benches, bypassing parliamentary decorum. A heated verbal exchange ensued between Sharma and Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President Govind Singh Dotasra, along with former minister Ashok Chandna, while the argument reached a point where a physical altercation seemed imminent. The aggressive posturing from both sides created a chaotic atmosphere within the legislative chamber, necessitating immediate intervention from other members present.
Intervention by Ministers and Security Measures
As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and several other MLAs stepped in to mediate. The ministers managed to separate the arguing parties and persuaded Gopal Sharma to move away from the opposition benches. To prevent any further escalation, Sharma was escorted to the assembly lobby. Senior leaders from both the treasury and opposition benches expressed concern over the breach of parliamentary etiquette. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister emphasized the need for maintaining the dignity of the House and urged all members to exercise restraint during debates.
Formal Apology Issued by MLA Gopal Sharma
Following the incident, BJP MLA Gopal Sharma released a video statement on social media expressing regret for his actions. In the video, Sharma admitted that he lost his temper in the heat of the moment and failed to uphold the decorum of the House. He stated that he would carry the regret of this incident throughout his life. Sharma formally apologized to the Speaker, the members of the assembly, and the public for his behavior, while he acknowledged that as a representative of the people, his conduct should have been more disciplined and aligned with the traditions of the legislative assembly.
Opposition Condemnation and Allegations by Tika Ram Jully
Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully addressed a press conference shortly after the incident, condemning the behavior of the BJP MLA. Jully described the event as a dark day for the Rajasthan Assembly and accused the government of being lenient toward those involved in cow-related crimes. He alleged that certain ruling party MLAs were providing protection to individuals accused of cow slaughter. The Leader of Opposition demanded a thorough investigation into the Hingonia Gaushala matter and called for strict action against anyone found guilty. He further stated that the opposition would continue to hold the government accountable for maintaining law and order and the sanctity of the legislature.