Congress has targeted the ruling BJP in Rajasthan over its MLAs' alleged use of abusive language, threats and display of political arrogance while conducting themselves.
Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria is the latest addition to the list of BJP MLAs courting controversy after he allegedly abused former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh though he was prompt to issue an apology.
PCC President Sachin Pilot, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and senior legislator Pradhuman Singh have condemned the use of such language and conduct shown by the BJP MLAs who for one reason or other were embroiled in controversies for over a year despite condemnation from the party's state leadership.
Apart from Kataria, there are at least eight other BJP legislators who have courted controversies for allegedly badmouthing, abusing, threatening and showing political arrogance to public servants, journalist or Congress leaders.
One of them was even allegedly involved in attacking a social activist in the constituency of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
"BJP MLAs are continuously using such criminal language. They are elected public representatives and they cannot use this kind of language. They have been exposed among people and the party should take action against them," Pilot told PTI.
"The conduct of an MLA or any other pubic representative should be decent. Public watch every single move and the language of course, so everyone should be careful," senior Congress legislator Pradhyumn Singh said.
He said if a legislator uses such language inside the House, it can be expunged from the proceedings as this is in the purview of the Speaker but if any member speaks something outside the house, it is for himself and for the party to look into.
"If any changes in the rule is done in this regard, it will be welcomed," he said.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condemned the conduct and abusive language used by the BJP MLAs.
However, Assembly Speaker Kailash Meghwal refused to comment on the issue.
BJP State president Ashok Parnami said the party disapproves any the use of any abusive or objectionable language.
"I express disapproval of such language, which should be discouraged. Action against one MLA was taken while cases of others were not taken up because nothing was proved," Parnami said.
(Reopens DES 38)
The name of BJP MLAs whose names have popped up are Anita Singh, Prahlad Gunjal, Ashok Dogra, Dharmpal Choudhary, Kanwar Lal Meena, Kailash Choudhary, Gyan Dev Ahuja and Jagat Singh with Kataria being the latest name in the list.
On Sunday, Kataria allegedly hurled abuse at former prime minister Manmohan Singh while addressing party workers in Churu district.
Later, he apologised for his comments.
"I haven't said anything against Manmohan Singh with wrong intention. If anybody has been hurt, I express regret," he tweeted.
Kataria is the only leader who was quite prompt to express apology for his statement.
The first instance of a BJP leader allegedly using foul language came to light when a purported audio clip of Prahlad Gunjal in which he was heard using abusive language surfaced in December 2014. He was subsequently suspended from the party but it later revoked after he expressed regret over the incident.
Except Gunjal, party took no action against any other BJP leader.
Kota (North) MLA Prahlad Gunjal had allegedly threatened a CMHO in Kota for not appointing his close man to a desired place whereas in another case, Nagar MLA Anita Singh allegedly threatened a BDO for not reporting to her after joining.
Bundi MLA Ashok Dogra allegedly abused and threatened an engineer of the Electricity Department while Mundawar MLA Dharmpal Choudhary allegedly hurled abuses at a journalist for publishing a story against him.
Purported audio clips in which these four MLAs were heard speaking in abusing language or threatening people went viral on WhatsApp.
Another instance of BJP MLA stoking controversy over use of
derogatory language was when Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi was called a traitor by Baytoo MLA Kailash Choudhary. He said Gandhi should be hanged and shot for joining the 'anti-national' protest in Jawaharlal Nehru University.
In another controversial statement, Ramgarh MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja alleged that those studying in JNU of indulging in "illicit" activities as condoms, empty bottles of liquor and cigarette butts were found in the campus and also targeted Gandhi for siding with the "anti-national elements".
Aklera MLA Kanwar Lal Meena allegedly attacked a group of social activists working for Aruna Roy in Jhalawar district.
The activists lodged an FIR against him and staged a dharna repeatedly to demanded his arrest but it did not happen.
Kaman MLA Jagat Singh, son of former union minister Natwar Singh, in a meeting in Bharatpur allegedly assured his support to locals involved in mining and transport irrespective of the work being legal or illegal.
In a video clip, he was purportedly seen saying that he has asked the CM that she should not pay attention to such aspects.
