Paper leaks, Yamuna project spark uproar in state Assembly

Proceedings in the Rajasthan Assembly during the presentation of the State Budget 2026 were disrupted five times Wednesday as opposition members strongly objected to several claims made by Finance minister Diya Kumari. The flashpoint came when Kumari referred to paper leak cases under the Congress govt while announcing the formation of the Rajasthan State Testing Agency to prevent future examination irregularities. Opposition MLAs accused the govt of presenting what they described as "misleading" claims on paper leaks, progress on the Yamuna Water Project, and the repair and upgradation of govt schools.Govind Singh Dotasra led the charge, engaging in heated exchanges with ministers Madan Dilawar and Sanjay Sharma. Dotasra alleged the govt's statements were "a bunch of lies" and said they contradicted official records. As Kumari referenced "paper leaks during Congress' tenure", Dotasra, joined by Rohit Bohra and Rafeek Khan, demanded a CBI probe into paper leak cases during both Congress and BJP govts, including the tenure of former CM Vasundhara Raje.
Speaker Vasudev Devnani intervened repeatedly to restore order after Kumari demanded the opportunity to continue her speech without interruption. The budget speech, which lasted almost three hours, saw a visibly restless audience. Several MLAs, including those in the treasury benches, were seen stepping out intermittently for washroom visits, or to attend phone calls. In a lighter but pointed exchange, Dotasra pointed towards agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena, alleging he was dozing off during what Dotasra termed a "boring budget".