Jaipur, February 4: A heated debate erupted in the Rajasthan Assembly on Wednesday during the question hour regarding homeless families in Bharatpur. The controversy began when National Lok Dal (RLD) MLA Subhash Garg raised questions about the number of homeless families and the eligibility of families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
In response, Urban Development and Housing (UDH) Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra stated that if details about landless families were required, a report would be obtained from the district collector and presented to the house. Dissatisfied with the response, Garg insisted that the minister first provide the accurate number of homeless families.
As the minister began discussing the eligibility criteria for the PMAY, Garg interjected, asking whether the Homeless Policy 2022 included provisions for surveying homeless families. “I want a direct yes or no answer,” he demanded.
The issue quickly escalated into a confrontation between Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Opposition Leader Tikaram Julie. Commenting on two ministers who stood during the UDH minister’s response, Julie remarked, “There is no need for lawyers here.”
In reply, Patel suggested that Julie should focus on asking questions rather than delivering speeches. Julie countered, stating he was merely presenting facts and was being unfairly accused of making speeches. He later remarked that Patel was hasty and misunderstood the question. “The issue is straightforward: when will those without homes receive houses?” he questioned, asserting that the minister’s response was incorrect, which is why he raised questions about the criteria of the Homeless Policy initiated in 2022.
As the debate intensified, Industry Minister Statevardhan Singh Rathore intervened, stating that this was not a trick question and that the UDH minister was fully prepared to address both aspects concerning homelessness and the PMAY.
When the opposition objected to his intervention, the Speaker clarified that Rathore was permitted to speak. The assembly witnessed a sharp exchange between ministers and opposition members on this issue, prompting the Speaker to intervene repeatedly to restore order.
Earlier in the question hour, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena also faced criticism for failing to provide a clear answer regarding whether existing roads would be recorded as public roads in revenue records. The Speaker instructed the minister to respond directly with a yes or no, rather than citing rules and circulars.
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