Jhunjhunu MP Brijendra Ola Defends MPLAD Fund Use, Accuses BJP MPs of Funding Party Offices
Congress MP Brijendra Ola from Jhunjhunu has strongly dismissed recent BJP allegations about his use of local area development funds. He spoke to the press in Jhunjhunu on Sunday, clarifying his position.
Ola Rejects BJP Accusations
Ola firmly rejected claims that he diverted funds improperly. He stated that his actions followed existing laws and government authorizations. "Representatives of the SC and OBC community from Kaithal met me. This amount was sanctioned on their demand. There is no politics in this," Ola explained.
He emphasized that his recommendations focused solely on public welfare projects. Ola detailed four specific works worth Rs 24.7 lakh from his MPLAD funds:
- Construction of a thermocol shed for stamp vendors, typists, and common people in Kaithal court premises
- Road and drain construction work
- Construction of a shed at a chaupal in a rural area
- Provision of 30 chairs, 30 tables, bookshelves, and a water cooler for a public library
Ola Points to BJP Government Rules
The Congress MP cited an August 2024 order from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. He noted that the BJP-led government increased the amount MPs could spend outside their constituencies. The limit rose to Rs 50 lakh from a previous ceiling of 5% of total authorization.
"I brought around Rs 1.5 crore from other MPs for my parliamentary constituency, Jhunjhunu," Ola said. He mentioned that other MPs similarly funded development works in his area using their MPLAD allocations.
Counter-Allegations Against BJP MPs
Ola made serious counter-accusations against BJP parliamentarians. He claimed several BJP MPs directed their MPLAD funds to BJP party offices. Ola did not name the specific BJP MPs involved in this practice.
"In fact, five Rajya Sabha MPs of BJP also gave funds in other areas. Some BJP MPs even gave MP fund for their BJP offices, while I only recommended Rs 24 lakh for public welfare," Ola stated. He contrasted his public welfare spending with what he described as BJP MPs funding party infrastructure.
Background of the Controversy
Last week, BJP IT department chief Amit Malviya accused three Rajasthan Congress MPs of routing Rs 1.2 crore from their MPLAD quotas to Kaithal assembly constituency in Haryana. The accused MPs include Sanjana Jatav, Rahul Kaswan, and Brijendra Ola.
Kaithal's MLA is Aditya Singh Surjewala, son of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala. The BJP allegations suggested improper cross-border fund transfers benefiting a Congress family stronghold.
Ola's response shifts focus to BJP MPs' own fund usage patterns. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the parties regarding development fund allocations and their political implications.
