Gujarat Assembly monsoon session likely to be stormy, security tightened amid potential protests

The three-day monsoon session of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly began on Monday in the backdrop of heated protests by ex-servicemen and teachers in Gandhinagar. 

To ensure smooth functioning of the Assembly session, a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was held on Saturday. Discussions were held on the subjects to be debated, bills to be introduced, and resolutions to be passed. 

Tight security was in place around the Assembly complex. During the session, two superintendents, six deputy superintendents, 30 police inspectors, 60 police sub-inspectors, and more than 500 police and state reserve police personnel will be deployed in the state capital. Moreover, a Quick Response Team has been kept on standby for any emergencies. The Bomb Disposal Squad will also conduct checks around the Assembly complex. Due to the threat of protests, the state capital has been placed under virtual siege.

Five key Bills on agenda

During the three-day session, five key amendment bills will be tabled. These include:

• Factories (Gujarat Amendment) Bill (Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department)
• Gujarat Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill
• Gujarat Public Trusts (Amendment) Bill
• Gujarat Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill
• Gujarat Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation Amendment) Bill

The first day of the session begins with Question Hour. This will be followed by condolence resolutions, where tributes will be paid to recently deceased dignitaries. Moreover, resolutions will be tabled congratulating the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and on the reduction in GST rates. On September 9 and 10, along with Question Hour, discussions will be held on various bills. The session is likely to be stormy as the opposition is likely to raise the MGNREGA scam to corner the government. The opposition will also demand the resignation of minister Bachu Khabad. Issues concerning former speaker Raman Vora, accused of posing as a farmer, will also be raised, while tribal MLAs are expected to seek clarifications on the Tapi Par Link Project.

Notably, on the first day of the session, BJP MLA Rajendra Chavda and AAP MLA Gopal Italia are expected to join the Assembly.