Speaker probes alleged obscene gesture by Cong MLA Rohit Bohra in assembly

Jaipur: Speaker Vasudev Devnani Friday said action would be taken after reviewing video footage of an alleged obscene gesture made by Congress MLA Rohit Bohra during Zero Hour proceedings Thursday.Calling the matter "serious," Devnani stated in the House, "Nearly 8 crore people watch the Assembly proceedings on YouTube. An MLA is elected by 2 to 2.5 lakh voters. The House has its own dignity, and it must be maintained." He added that he would personally examine the video footage and, if found inappropriate and against the dignity of the House, further action would follow.
The issue was raised by BJP MLA Shrichand Kripalani, who demanded strict action against Bohra and sought an apology from him on the floor of the House. Parliamentary Affairs minister Jogaram Patel supported the demand, stating that Bohra's conduct was "not in accordance with legislative decorum.""Such behaviour is not acceptable. Action must be taken. A person indulging in such conduct is not fit to remain a member," Patel said.However, Congress Legislature Party whip Rafeek Khan opposed the BJP's demand for immediate punitive action. He argued that similar issues arose in the past, and he was labelled as Pakistani by BJP MLA Gopal Sharma, which was not just his insult but an insult to the entire House, but action was not initiated either by the House or by the ruling party. "This matter should also be settled amicably," Khan said, adding that Rohit Bohra was seated at the time of the alleged incident.The controversy sparked sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition benches, with the Speaker now set to determine the course of action after reviewing the footage.