Rajasthan freezes MLA fund accounts amid bribery allegations, launches parallel probes
JAIPUR: The seizure of MLA Local Area Development fund accounts belonging to three legislators marked the first major action by the Rajasthan government on Monday after allegations surfaced of hefty commissions being demanded in exchange for sanctioning works under the scheme. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma ordered a time-bound inquiry and directed an IAS-led committee, headed by ACS (Home) Bhaskar A. Sawant, to submit its report within 15 days, while the Assemblys Ethics Committee will conduct a parallel probe. The allegations pertain to BJP MLA from Khinvsar Revantram Danga, Congress MLA from Hindaun Anita Jatav, and Independent MLA from Bayana Ritu Banawat. The accusations of taking commissions in return for recommending works from MLA funds reportedly came to light on Sunday, prompting the Chief Minister to reprimand the legislators. On the directions of the BJPs central leadership, state BJP president Madan Rathore issued a show-cause notice to Revantram Danga, seeking a reply within three days. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasara issued a notice to Anita Jatav, asking her to respond within seven days. The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) is also in the process of forming a three-member inquiry committee, which will submit its report to Dotasara within a week. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully condemned the alleged corruption and demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those found guilty. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reiterated that corruption by any public servant would not be tolerated under any circumstances. No matter how influential the person is, if found guilty, they will not be spared. The government follows a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Misuse of public funds at any level is unacceptable, he said, adding that the freezing of MLA fund accounts was necessary to ensure accountability during the investigation. The Chief Minister had also recently flagged the seriousness of corruption in a social media post. After the sting operation related to the MLA fund issue came to light, Ashok Gehlot demanded a high-level inquiry. Calling the allegations extremely serious and alarming, he said the Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani should immediately take cognisance of the matter and order a comprehensive probe. Integrity and honesty in public life must be paramount for elected representatives, Gehlot said. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has also ordered an inquiry and referred the matter to the Assemblys Ethics Committee. He has asked the committee to complete the investigation at the earliest and submit its report to facilitate further action. The Speaker said such incidents erode public trust and asserted that corruption in public welfare funds like the MLA fund goes against democratic values. This not only harms democracy but also tarnishes Rajasthans image, he said, adding that corruption in any form would not be tolerated, irrespective of party affiliation. Strict action would be taken based on the findings of the sting operation and the inquiry reports. Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal also reacted strongly, terming the alleged bribery in MLA fund releases a serious blow to the federal and democratic system. He said that while the Prime Minister speaks of zero tolerance towards corruption, such cases raise serious questions. Beniwal demanded that an FIR be registered against Revantram Danga. It may be noted that Revantram Danga had earlier quit Hanuman Beniwals Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) and joined the BJP.
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