Rajasthan Budget session begins Jan 28; Opposition raises issues on Disturbed Areas Bill, MGNREGA renaming, while BJP prepares strategy for debates.
JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly is set to commence its Budget session on January 28, marking the fifth sitting of the 16th Assembly. Expectations are high for a tense and confrontational session, as both the ruling party and the Opposition prepare for heated exchanges. Early indications from Opposition leaders suggest that repeated disruptions may occur during proceedings.
The Opposition has sharply criticised recent procedural directives regarding the submission and discussion of legislators’ questions, describing them as restrictive. Another key flashpoint is the proposed Disturbed Areas Bill, 2026, which has already generated divisions before the session begins.
The Rajasthan government plans to implement the Disturbed Areas Act, making it the second state in India, after Gujarat, to enforce such legislation. Under the proposed law, the government can declare specific localities as “disturbed areas”, imposing restrictions such as a ban on buying and selling immovable property for up to three years, during which the locality will come under the Act’s provisions.
Another contentious issue is the Centre’s proposal to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as VB-GRAMG. Opposition parties are expected to raise strong objections, arguing that the renaming undermines the ideological and social significance of the flagship rural employment scheme. Given Rajasthan’s reliance on MGNREGA, this issue is likely to resonate widely during the Budget session.
The Opposition has also accused the government of attempting to divert attention from pressing public issues, raising the likelihood of sharp confrontations on the Assembly floor.
In preparation, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has convened an all-party meeting on Tuesday to ensure smooth proceedings. Simultaneously, the ruling BJP is strategizing its legislative approach, with a BJP legislative party meeting scheduled at 4:30 pm on Tuesday at the Chief Minister’s residence, chaired by CM Bhajanlal Sharma, followed by a dinner hosted by him.
According to Government Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg, the meeting will focus on the government’s priorities for the Budget session, coordination among party MLAs, and strategies to counter Opposition criticism. MLAs will be directed to highlight the government’s achievements, welfare programs, and policy roadmap, presenting a united and assertive front during Assembly proceedings.