Suspension row BJP’s ploy to hijack Assembly agenda, attack free speech: Jully

With Rajasthan assembly currently locked in a stalemate following the suspension of six Congress MLAs over protests against a certain comment by a cabinet minister about ex-PM late Indira Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully accuses govt of attempting to suppress the opposition. In an exclusive interview with TOI's Shoeb Khan, he cites examples of what he calls BJP govt's "attack on free speech and democracy" and talks of Congress's next course of action.
Is your demand restricted to an apology or do you seek stricter action against minister Avinash Gehlot?
Cabinet minister Avinash Gehlot must tender an unconditional apology to the nation for his disrespectful remarks about former PM Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady of India. His words were not only offensive but also set a dangerous precedent in assembly. If their (BJP) tallest leader is referred to as their father in a dismissive tone, would they tolerate it? Respect must be mutual, and it is the Speaker's duty to ensure fairness and uphold decorum in the House.
You are repeatedly accusing BJP govt of suppressing the opposition in Rajasthan. Please elaborate.
The suspension of six Congress MLAs is the clearest proof of BJP's attack on free speech and democracy. They filed FIRs against me and the state Congress president in Kota; many FIRs were filed against our former minister Pramod Bhaya; govt reopened a case against ex-minister Shanti Dhariwal even after he got a clean chit; GST teams were sent to MLA Vikas Choudhary's home after his speech. Many Congress chairmen of ULBs have been suspended without reason. Whenever tough questions are asked, they (BJP govt) create distractions like suspensions and procedural delays to avoid accountability. Even their own cabinet minister, Kirori Lal Meena, exposed how BJP ministers were being silenced and not allowed to speak freely within govt. If that was not enough, they were also crushing public protests. Congress workers in Sikar were brutally lathi-charged by police for simply raising their voices.
What key issues did Congress plan to raise that you say are now being overshadowed?
This suspension controversy was deliberately created by BJP to hijack assembly's agenda. It is a clear attempt to escape accountability and dodge serious discussions, including the 2025 state Budget. They (BJP MLAs) attempted to stall our expose on their failure to deliver on key promises such as reducing petrol and diesel prices, ensuring MSP on bajra, setting wheat MSP at Rs 2,700, providing one lakh jobs in the first year, and disbursing Rs 12,000 under PM Kisan since coming to power in Rajasthan. We also planned to highlight rising crime, power shortage, delays in pensions and scholarships, violence against women, politically motivated arrests, and discrimination in development projects. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, BJP govt orchestrated this crisis to silence opposition voices.
BJP claims the chaos in assembly is due to an internal power struggle within Congress. How do you respond?
Congress stands united; our MLAs, regardless of age, background and region, are firmly together in defending freedom of speech. The real power struggle is within BJP. Their own cabinet minister, Kirori Lal Meena, openly accused state govt of suppressing voices. BJP MLAs have repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with their ministers in assembly, and several ministers themselves admit they are not allowed to speak freely. Before questioning Congress's unity, BJP should first address the growing rebellion within its own ranks.
But BJP alleges Congress is deliberately stalling assembly proceedings and not allowing govt to function. How do you respond?
This is classic BJP propaganda. Who disrupted assembly first? It was minister Avinash Gehlot who made an offensive remark, and instead of addressing it, they suspended opposition MLAs. The real reason for the deadlock is BJP's unwillingness to hold itself accountable.
What message do you have for the people of Rajasthan amid this crisis?
The people of Rajasthan must see this for what it is—an attempt to suppress the opposition and avoid discussions on crime, unemployment, and farmers' crises. Congress is firm in its commitment to defending democracy. We urge the people to stay aware, raise their voices, and stand with us in protecting fairness, accountability, and the right to be heard in assembly.