Jaipur, Aug 20 (IANS) Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani on Thursday expressed deep anguish over the Opposition’s absence from the House on the opening day of the session, urging members to participate in proceedings and raise public issues within the prescribed rules.

Assuring the Opposition of full respect, Devnani said meaningful discussions between the government and the Opposition are essential to uphold democratic traditions and address issues concerning the people of Rajasthan.

According to the Speaker, this was the first time in the history of the Rajasthan Assembly that Opposition members remained absent during condolence references on the opening day of a session.

Initiating the proceedings, Devnani emphasised that the Opposition enjoys full respect in the House and has every right to present its views and raise issues of public importance. He urged members to participate in a dignified manner and in accordance with the rules.

Devnani explained that the Opposition had initially planned to gather and enter the Assembly through Gate No. 6. He clarified that, under established protocol, members must enter through Gate No. 7.

However, MLAs arriving on foot may enter individually through Gate No. 6. He said the request for individual entry through Gate No. 6 was made purely for security reasons.

The Speaker noted that Assembly marshals had reported that, on an earlier occasion, unauthorised persons had mingled with a group entering through the gate, raising security concerns.

Expressing regret over the Opposition’s absence despite the arrangements, Devnani said the government should take cognisance of issues raised by the Opposition and provide constructive responses.

He stressed that the legislature’s true significance lies in meaningful discussion between the ruling party and the Opposition on matters concerning the people. Both sides, he said, have an important role in maintaining democratic traditions, parliamentary decorum and finding solutions to public issues.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also paid a courtesy call on Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani at the Assembly. The two exchanged floral bouquets and discussed contemporary issues concerning the state. Their discussions covered Rajasthan’s development, strengthening democratic traditions and matters related to the broader interests of the state.

–IANS

arc/dan