Jaipur (Rajasthan), December 14 (ANI): Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have initiated disciplinary action against their respective legislators following corruption allegations linked to the misuse of the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund, as the Rajasthan government ordered a high-level investigation and froze the concerned accounts.
Congress Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Sunday issued a notice to Congress MLA Anita Jatav, directing the party’s state president, Govind Singh Dotasar, to submit a factual report on the allegations within seven days. The action follows a sting operation-based report published in a national daily, which alleged that Congress MLA Anita Jatav, BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga, and independent MLA Ritu Banawat accepted commissions for facilitating development works in their constituencies.
On the same day, Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore issued a show-cause notice to BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga, seeking an explanation within three days. The notice stated that, as per instructions from the party’s central leadership, the allegations amounted to indiscipline under the BJP constitution. It warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time could invite the strictest disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter, chaired by the State Chief Vigilance Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary, Home). Emphasising the state government’s “zero tolerance” policy towards corruption, the Chief Minister also directed the freezing of the MLA LAD accounts of the constituencies involved.
In a post on X, CM Sharma said the report on alleged corruption in the MLA Local Area Development Fund was “extremely serious and concerning,” adding that no individual, regardless of influence, would be spared if found guilty. He confirmed that the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police had been instructed to conduct the probe through the vigilance-led committee.
State Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra also called for an Ethics Committee inquiry, describing the episode as “unfortunate” for Indian democracy. He stressed that if any MLA is found guilty, the matter should be placed before the Vidhan Sabha Chairperson for appropriate action, while urging political parties to take responsibility and act against corrupt legislators.
The investigation is ongoing, with both major parties and the state government signaling firm action pending the outcome of the probe. (ANI)
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