Vasudev Devnani Elected As The Speaker Of Rajasthan Assembly

 

The 16th Rajasthan Assembly witnessed a significant development as Vasudev Devnani, a seasoned BJP MLA with five terms under his belt, was unanimously elected as the Speaker. The motion for his appointment was moved by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and seconded by Congress leader and Tonk MLA Sachin Pilot, reflecting a rare unity between the ruling party and the opposition.

Political Landscape and Caste Diversity

Vasudev Devnani, representing Ajmer North, has been a prominent face of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the BJP governments led by Vasundhara Raje. His political journey includes two terms as the Education Minister, during which he made controversial decisions, such as the compulsory recitation of Saraswati Vandana and the mandatory practice of Surya Namaskar in schools.

Caste Diversity in Leadership

Belonging to the Sindhi Hindu community, which migrated during the Partition and settled in and around Ajmer, Mr. Devnani’s appointment as Speaker introduces an element of caste diversity. This move follows the appointment of Mr. Sharma, a Brahmin, as the Chief Minister, along with a Rajput and a Scheduled Caste person as the two Deputy Chief Ministers.

Unanimous Support and Procedural Formalities

The motion for electing Mr. Devnani as the Speaker saw support from various quarters, including former CM Vasundhara Raje, Deputy CM Diya Kumari, and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party MLA Hanuman Beniwal. Pro-tem Speaker Kalicharan Saraf consolidated these motions, and they were passed with a voice vote by legislators from both the treasury and opposition benches.

Unique Blend Of Academic and Political Experience

Mr. Devnani’s early association with the RSS, where he served as the State president of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), paved the way for his entry into politics. With a background in engineering and a stint as a teacher in a polytechnic college in Udaipur, he brings a unique blend of academic and political experience. Vasudev Devnani’s appointment as Speaker marks a significant development in the political landscape of Rajasthan, setting the stage for the dynamics of the 16th Assembly session.

Summary

• Vasudev Devnani Unanimously Elected as Speaker: The 16th Rajasthan Assembly witnessed the unanimous election of Vasudev Devnani, a five-time BJP MLA, as the Speaker.
• Caste Diversity in Government: Devnani’s appointment brings caste diversity to the government, following the selection of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma (Brahmin) and two Deputy CMs (Rajput and Scheduled Caste).
• Controversial Education Minister: Devnani, representing Ajmer North, served as the Education Minister for two terms, making controversial decisions like compulsory recitation of Saraswati Vandana and Surya Namaskar in schools.
• Political Background and Ideological Stand: A former RSS leader and ABVP State president, Devnani has a background in engineering and an academic career. He advocates for an education system rooted in Hindu culture.