Congress Leader Shanti Dhariwal Stirs Controversy with Abusive Language in Rajasthan Assembly
In a fresh political storm, former minister and senior Congress functionary Shanti Dhariwal found himself at the center of controversy on Tuesday for using foul language on the floor of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly in Jaipur. The incident occurred during a heated discussion on the motion of thanks to the governor's address, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the state's political arena.
Heated Exchange Over Youth Employment and Skill Training
Participating actively in the debate, Dhariwal emphasized the critical issue of youth employability, warning that if large numbers of young people are not made employable through effective skill training programs, the growing young population could pose a serious challenge for the existing government. He stressed the need for proactive measures to address this demographic concern, framing it as a pressing policy issue.
Government Whip's Taunt and Dhariwal's Retort
In response to Dhariwal's remarks, government chief whip Jogeshwar Garg, without directly naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, taunted that everyone in the country had found employment except one 'young man'. This indirect reference sparked a sharp retort from Dhariwal, who stated, 'I can understand only half of what you are saying,' and during the ensuing exchange, used an abusive word that escalated the confrontation.
Demand for Expunging Comments and Past Controversies
After Dhariwal concluded his speech, Garg labeled him a habitual offender and demanded that his objectionable comments be expunged from the official records. This is not the first time Dhariwal has waded into controversy over the use of inappropriate language. Most recently, in 2024, his remarks on crime in Rajasthan during a debate in the presence of students had stirred significant controversy, indicating a pattern of contentious behavior in legislative settings.
Broader Political Tensions in the Assembly
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the House turned further heated as BJP MLA Gopal Sharma alleged that two ministers from the former Congress-led government should be sent to jail in connection with paper leak cases, attributing this statement to a senior police officer. Sharma also alleged that corruption and paper leaks became routine during the Congress regime, adding fuel to the ongoing political friction between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in Rajasthan.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of political discourse in the state, with both sides trading barbs over governance, employment, and integrity issues. As the controversy unfolds, it raises questions about decorum in legislative bodies and the focus on substantive policy debates versus personal attacks.
