Rajasthan Guv cancels “at home” event on Independence Day

Amid the political turmoil in Rajasthan, Governor Kalraj Mishra has cancelled this year’s ‘at home’ event on Independence Day due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor in a statement said that he was concerned about the “frightening” situation in the state and the rising active coronavirus cases.

Mishra said when the assembly session was adjourned on March 13, the number of active cases in the state was two and the session was adjourned in view of the spread of the pandemic.

“There were 3381 cases on July 1. Now it is more than 10,000. The unrelenting virus spread is a cause for concern and the state has to take serious step to save people from the worldwide pandemic,” Mishra said.

The statement comes a day after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot submitted his third proposal for an assembly session from July 31.

Mr Gehlot, who is head-on clash with his sacked deputy Sachin Pilot, is seen to be pursuing an assembly session for the singular goal of proving his majority on the floor of the house. He believes he has just about the numbers to win a trust vote at this time and accuses the Governor of stalling a session under pressure from the BJP.

The Governor blocked two previous proposals raising questions including one on coronavirus precautions.

On the last request, Mr Mishra had asked how social distancing and other virus protocol would be maintained during a session.

Yesterday, Mr Gehlot met with his cabinet to discuss the Governor’s questions and sent a revised proposal for a special session citing coronavirus as an agenda.