Rajasthan Governor returns Gehlot govt’s proposal for urgent Assembly session

Jaipur, Jul 27,2020: Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra here on Monday morning returned another proposal of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot led-Congress government for bringing Assembly in session, citing certain objections over due purpose and COVID-19 situation.
The Governor in a statement said in the proposal, the Chief Minister has reasoned the urgency in calling the Assembly citing discussion of more relief measures for the people hit by COVID-19 crisis and passage of some important bills.
However, in press, Mr Gehlot has repeatedly stated that he wants a floor test to be conducted as soon as possible to claim his majority.
“If you (Gehlot) want a floor test, then why not mention it in the proposal,” Mr Kalraj asked in a statement written in Hindi.
The Governor highlighted that time and again the chief minister has highlighted that as per Article 174 of the Constitution, it is obligatory for the Governor to accept the proposal by the state Cabinet.
“But, the said Article also says that during unprecedented times, the Governor has to ensure that calling a session should be as per rules, at appropriate time, without any external pressure and with everyone’s will,” Mr Mishra remarked.
Mr Mishra said as per rules, minimum 21 days of advance notice has to be given to the Governor before calling a session. “Disobeying such rule, is violation of Article 14 which calls for equality before law,” the Governor said.
He also brought to the notice of Mr Gehlot that matter is sub judice if he is mulling to conduct a Floor test.
The Governor underlined that the Floor test, if conducted, has to take place in the presence of principal secretary of Vidhan Sabha. Also, it has to be ensured that the entire exercise is video-recorded as well as telecast live and the voting panel should have only “Yes or No” option.
He asked the Chief Minister how mandatory social distancing norm laid down by the Union Health Ministry will be followed in the Assembly.
The Governor reminded that the House has 200 members and more 1,000 staff. “Is the gathering of more than 1,200 people safe during COVID-19 situation and if anyone gets infected, how can the virus be prevented from infecting others, ” Mr Mishra further asked.
Mr Mishra said as per his knowledge, the Assembly does not have adequate infrastructure to maintain at least two-feet distance between any two persons.
“Is it necessary to put the lives of more than 1,200 people in danger,” the Governor questioned.
The Governor suggested that viewing COVID-19 situation, discussion can also take place at other constitutional bodies like Supreme Court, High Court as well as through online medium.
Rajasthan has plunged into political crisis after former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and 18 other MLA rebelled against Mr Gehlot and left the state.
Mr Gehlot is seeking a Floor test urgently to reclaim his majority before any other political twist or turn.
The Governor is however, dissatisfied with the proposal for calling the House.