Jaipur: The debate on the Rajasthan Disturbed Areas Bill, 2026 witnessed heated exchange in the Assembly Friday after remarks made by Congress MLA Harimohan Sharma triggered an uproar.Speaking during the discussion on the bill, Sharma alleged that the BJP govt was attempting to divide society in the name of religion. “Sanatan Dharma respects all religions, but by creating such an environment, you are trying to divide even Sanatan Dharma,” he said.Sharma also accused the BJP of labelling political opponents unfairly. “According to you, a Hindu in the BJP is a Hindu, but a Hindu in the Congress is treated like a Muslim,” he said, drawing protests from the treasury benches.The comments prompted a sharp response from minister Avinash Gehlot, who countered Sharma’s claims by referring to past controversies involving religious leaders. “During the UPA govt, who levelled allegations against Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati? Was it not the Congress govt that insulted the Shankaracharya?” Gehlot said.BJP MLA Shrichand Kripalani also intervened in the debate, backing the minister and criticising Sharma’s remarks. “It is very easy to make such statements while sitting here. We came here after leaving Pakistan—you may not understand what circumstances we faced,” Kripalani said. He asserted that BJP was committed to protecting Sanatan Dharma. “We are the ones protecting Sanatan Dharma, not you,” he said.The exchange soon escalated into a verbal argument between Sharma, Gehlot and Kripalani on the floor of the House.
