Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], April 25 (ANI): The recent arrest of former Rajasthan Minister and Congress leader Mahesh Joshi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sparked a fierce political debate. The arrest, tied to an alleged money laundering case, has led to contrasting views from the ruling party and opposition leaders, with accusations of political maneuvering.
Rajasthan’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Jawahar Singh Bedham, defended the ED’s actions, asserting that the agency operates independently and acts only when there is substantial reason. “The ED is an independent agency. If Mahesh Joshi has been arrested, there must be something substantial behind it. Everyone should allow such agencies to function independently,” Bedham stated.
On the other hand, Rajasthan’s Leader of Opposition (LoP), Tikaram Jully, criticized the arrest, calling it an act of “mental harassment.” He emphasized that Joshi had been cooperating with the ED and pointed out the challenging circumstances surrounding his wife’s critical illness. “Arresting him in such circumstances is deeply insensitive and amounts to mental torture,” Jully argued. He also accused the central agencies of being misused for political gain.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot echoed similar sentiments, accusing the BJP of using the ED for political vendettas. “The arrest of Mahesh Joshi is an example of political vendetta. It has been made at a time when his wife has been critically ill for 15 days,” Gehlot said, adding that this was a strategy to emotionally break Joshi and extract certain statements.
Joshi, who was arrested in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission scam, maintains his innocence. In a statement, he said, “I have not committed any irregularities, and I have not accepted money from anyone. Action is being taken against me based on statements of those I have taken action against. I have full faith in the law and am confident I will get justice.”
As the political confrontation intensifies, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and its potential impact on the upcoming elections in the state.
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