Opposition MLAs arrive driving tractors on dramatic day in Rajasthan Assembly
Inside the Assembly, proceedings were marked by uproar and sloganeering from the Opposition. However, three Bills were passed, including an amendment to the Factories Act that will increase the permitted working hours and overtime, and allow women to work nightshifts.
Congress MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, arrived to the Rajasthan Assembly on tractors demanding compensation for farmers and others affected by heavy rain. (Express Photo)
The Monsoon Session of the Rajasthan Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Thursday, with Congress MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, arriving on tractors demanding compensation for farmers and others affected by heavy rain.
They attempted to enter the Assembly premises on tractors, but were stopped at the gates by security personnel and police, who had barricaded the entrance. For nearly half an hour, the MLAs staged a protest outside before entering on foot, holding banners and raising slogans for about 15 minutes.
Inside the Assembly, the proceedings were marked by uproar and sloganeering from the Opposition. Three Bills — the Rajasthan Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, the Rajasthan Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, and the Factories (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill — were introduced and passed by voice vote amid the commotion.
More time in factories
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sumit Godara said the amendment to the Factories Act, 1948, would benefit workers, boost women’s participation, encourage investment, generate large-scale employment, and accelerate industrial development.
The Bill extends weekly working hours, allows workers to be present for up to 10.5 hours daily in factories, and raises quarterly overtime from 75 to 144 hours. Workers can now work six hours without a break, while women may take night shifts with written consent. Godara said the amendments would strengthen competition and promote economic growth.
As soon as the post-lunch proceedings resumed at 2 pm, Opposition MLAs once again raised slogans over crop damage caused by heavy rains. Despite the protests, the ruling party tabled and passed the three Bills before the House was adjourned till 11 am on September 8.
Heated exchanges
The morning session also saw heated exchanges. During Question Hour, MLAs from Kaurali, Jodhpur, Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar, and Bhilwara raised concerns about the condition of government buildings, including schools, anganwadis, and hospitals. Their questions came in the wake of the Jhalawar school building collapse, which claimed the lives of 13 students in July. Ministers responded with details of repair budgets and allocations for different areas.
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While Tikaram Jully raised a question regarding the expansion of the Critical Tiger Habitat in the Sariska sanctuary, Speaker Vasudev Devnani ruled that the issue could not be listed as it was sub judice. Jully alleged that illegal mining was continuing in Sariska and accused the government of avoiding accountability.
Rain relief
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma later released a press note directing MLAs to conduct intensive inspections of their constituencies on September 5, 6, and 7 to provide relief to people suffering due to excessive rain. Ministers in charge and secretaries were also asked to visit their regions for two days to address public grievances.
Sharma said that from June 1 to September 1, the state received 56% more rainfall than average. He urged MLAs to coordinate with district administrations to speed up relief operations, assuring that long-term solutions for recurring flood issues would also be implemented.
Parul Kulshrestha is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Rajasthan. A lawyer turned journalist, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to her reporting, blending legal precision with deep social inquiry to cover one of India's most culturally and politically vibrant regions.
Expertise and Experience
Legal-Journalistic Synergy: Parul’s transition from a legal background to mainstream journalism provides her with a distinct advantage in interpreting policy, legislation, and judicial impacts. This expertise allows her to "read between the lines" of government orders and court rulings affecting the public.
Diverse Beat: With years of experience across both mainstream newsrooms and independent journalism, she has built high-level authority in several critical areas:
Nomadic Tribes & Marginalized Communities: She is recognized for her sensitive and in-depth reporting on the struggles and rights of Rajasthan's nomadic populations, often giving a voice to those outside the traditional political spotlight.
Gender & Social Justice: Parul focuses on the intersection of law and gender, covering issues ranging from women’s safety and reproductive rights to the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.
Environmental & Political Reporting: She tracks Rajasthan’s complex political landscape—including electoral shifts and bureaucratic changes—alongside critical environmental concerns like water scarcity and land use.
Academic & Professional Pedigree: Her background as a lawyer, combined with her rise to the rank of Principal Correspondent at a national broadsheet, establishes her as a senior voice in the media landscape. ... Read More
