During the debate on the demands for grants for the Revenue Department in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Saturday, Mandawa MLA Rita Chaudhary launched a sharp critique against the state government. The Congress legislator challenged Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's previous assertions regarding his accessibility to opposition members. Chaudhary shared a specific instance from the floor of the house, alleging that the Chief Minister failed to recognize her during an official meeting at the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), despite having granted her an appointment himself.
The Encounter at the Chief Minister's Office
Addressing the assembly, Rita Chaudhary recounted an incident that occurred shortly after Bhajan Lal Sharma assumed office. She stated that she had requested a meeting to discuss budgetary concerns and issues pertaining to her constituency. According to the MLA, the Chief Minister scheduled the meeting for 1:00 PM at the CMO. Chaudhary alleged that upon her arrival, the Chief Minister asked her which constituency she represented. She expressed her astonishment at this, noting that as the leader of the house who had personally invited her, the Chief Minister's lack of awareness regarding her identity was concerning for an elected representative.
Allegations of Partisan Prioritization at CMO
The Mandawa MLA further criticized the operational environment within the Chief Minister's Office. She claimed that during her visit, several ruling party MLAs, including Revenue Minister Jogaram Patel, Devi Singh, and Nokshama Chaudhary, were present. Chaudhary alleged that the CMO appeared to prioritize individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over elected representatives from the opposition. She stated that discussions on religious texts like the Gita were taking place while administrative matters were pending. According to her statement, the Chief Minister met with RSS members and his own ministers first, leaving the opposition MLA to wait until the very end.
Administrative Negligence and Local Issues in Mandawa
Beyond the Chief Minister, Rita Chaudhary also targeted the district's in-charge minister and the local administration. She informed the house that her repeated attempts to contact the in-charge minister via telephone went unanswered. Highlighting the plight of her constituency, she raised the issue of illegal encroachments on the historic havelis of Mandawa, which are significant for tourism. She accused the District Collector of Jhunjhunu of being unresponsive to these grievances. Chaudhary emphasized that her attempts to engage with the government were strictly for public welfare and the protection of heritage, rather than personal favors.
Political Legacy and Profile of Rita Chaudhary
Rita Chaudhary carries a significant political legacy as the daughter of the late Ramnarayan Chaudhary, a veteran Congress leader and former Speaker of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. She's a three-time MLA from the Mandawa seat in the Jhunjhunu district. Her political career includes victories in the 2008 general elections, a high-profile 2019 by-election, and the most recent 2023 assembly elections. Known for her strong influence in the Shekhawati region and among the Jat community, she has been a vocal advocate for farmers' rights and the preservation of Rajasthan's architectural heritage.
Legislative Context and Opposition Stance
The remarks by the Mandawa MLA come at a time when the opposition in Rajasthan is increasingly questioning the bureaucratic efficiency and political inclusivity of the current administration. Chaudhary compared the current situation with the tenure of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, suggesting that previous administrations maintained a tradition of prioritizing opposition voices to ensure balanced regional development. The assembly session witnessed heated exchanges following her speech, as members of the treasury benches responded to her allegations. The debate underscored the ongoing friction between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress regarding administrative protocols and the treatment of legislators.