Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma orders probe into corruption allegations against three MLAs; LAD fund accounts of constituencies suspended immediately.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma  directed a high-level committee to investigate corruption allegations made against three incumbent MLAs, in response to a media report derived from a sting operation.

According to a report published in a national publication, BJP legislator Revantram Danga, Congress MLA Anita Jatav, and Independent MLA Ritu Banawat are allegedly implicated in accepting commissions in exchange for facilitating development projects within their respective constituencies.

Taking a resolute stance, Chief Minister Sharma reaffirmed his administration’s policy of zero tolerance towards corruption and issued directives to freeze the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) fund accounts associated with the relevant constituencies immediately.

In a statement on X, the Chief Minister characterized the allegations as profoundly serious. A leading newspaper has released a report today concerning corruption within the MLA Local Area Development Fund. This is a serious and concerning issue. Our government enforces a rigorous zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption by any public official,” stated Sharma.

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He further asserted that influence or political standing would not exempt anyone from accountability. “No matter how influential an individual may be, if convicted of corruption, they will not be exempted,” the Chief Minister added.

Sharma further announced that the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police have been directed to carry out a comprehensive investigation through a high-level committee. The committee shall be convened by the State Chief Vigilance Commissioner, who concurrently serves as the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).

In light of the gravity of the allegations, the Chief Minister announced in his post that the MLA LAD fund accounts of the affected assembly constituencies have been suspended.

Meanwhile, State Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra described the allegations as a setback to democratic principles and urged the Ethics Committee of the Assembly to conduct an investigation. Speaking to reporters, Kharra stated that the issue should be investigated through an institutional and transparent process.

This represents an unfortunate circumstance for Indian democracy. Earlier as well, an MLA was apprehended accepting a bribe in exchange for submitting a query in the Assembly, he stated. Emphasizing procedural accountability, Kharra stated that the Ethics Committee should conduct an investigation into the matter and, if misconduct is confirmed, present its findings to the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha for appropriate action.

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He also emphasized the duty of political parties in responding to such allegations. “It is equally the responsibility of political parties to take appropriate action against their MLAs if they are found guilty,” stated Kharra.