The political atmosphere in Rajasthan remains tense following allegations by the Congress that the state Assembly’s Speaker, Vasudev Devnani, has installed upgraded surveillance cameras with audio capability to monitor the Opposition’s private discussions.
Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully demanded an inquiry into the matter, claiming that such surveillance undermines democracy and violates the privacy of lawmakers.
Jully’s accusations came as the short but chaotic Monsoon Session of the Rajasthan Assembly drew to a close. According to the Congress, the new cameras were secretly installed, with the Speaker having exclusive access to live audio and video feeds, even when the House was not in session.
Jully said the issue was straightforward, explaining that while proceedings have long been recorded on video and broadcast live, the new cameras — accessible only by the Speaker — also record conversations among members even when the House is adjourned, which he described as a serious violation of privacy. He further alleged that the cameras were deliberately positioned to capture Opposition lawmakers, with one placed overhead and another in front.
The Speaker, Vasudev Devnani, rejected the allegations, stating that the cameras operate on a 360-degree view, making privacy breaches technically impossible. “It is logically unsound to say that privacy is being violated when the cameras cover the entire House,” he said.
Jully refuted this, arguing that only the Speaker has access to the feed from the new cameras, while other feeds are monitored by the Assembly’s technical team. “If they were not at fault, they would have immediately adjourned the House and shown us where the feed is accessed. Instead, they avoided scrutiny,” he claimed.
Jully also criticised the government’s introduction of the anti-conversion Bill.
Citing official Assembly records, he pointed out that over the past five years, there were only 13 reported cases of conversion and none of love jihad. “When there are barely any cases, why bring this Bill? It only serves to spread religious polarization and undermine the state’s principle of Sarva Dharma Sambhava," Jully said.
He questioned why such laws are being enacted at the state level rather than across the country, given that the BJP holds power at the Centre.
The Congress leader further attacked the government’s amendments to the coaching centres’ regulation Bill, accusing it of weakening safeguards and giving undue relief to private coaching institutes. “The penalty has been reduced and enrollment thresholds increased, contrary to court criticisms and existing central guidelines. This Bill should have protected students, not coaching centres,” he argued.
Jully alleged that the Speaker blocked the Opposition from participating fully in debates, including preventing him from asking supplementary questions during Question Hour.
The Opposition has also moved a breach of privilege motion against BJP MLA Gopal Sharma for making derogatory remarks about Congress members during the anti-conversion Bill debate.
Jully defended Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra’s absence from the Assembly, attributing it to the Speaker’s unjust criticism during debates.
Jully’s delegation recently met Governor Haribhau Bagade, demanding an inquiry into the camera allegations. The Congress is pressing for transparency and accountability, while the ruling BJP has dismissed the claims as politically motivated.