The political landscape in Rajasthan was jolted on Friday as the state assembly's Ethics Committee launched a high-stakes interrogation of three sitting legislators. The MLAs faced intense questioning over serious allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for influencing contracts under the MLA Local Area Development (MLA-LAD) scheme.
The Sting Operation and the Accused Legislators
The controversy erupted following a sting operation conducted by a reporter from a vernacular newspaper. Based on the evidence gathered, the committee summoned three members: Independent MLA Ritu Banawat, Congress MLA Anita Jatav, and BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga. Each lawmaker was questioned separately by the panel about whether they solicited or received monetary benefits for approving projects funded by the MLA-LAD scheme.
All three legislators firmly denied the accusations during their respective hearings. They presented certain documents to the committee in an attempt to substantiate their claims of innocence. However, when pressed for more comprehensive evidence, each MLA requested additional time to compile the necessary materials.
MLAs Seek Time, Raise Defenses
The committee, chaired by MLA Kailash Verma, has granted the requests but will recall the politicians for further questioning on different days. Ritu Banawat asked for 10 days, Anita Jatav sought 7 days, and Rewant Ram Danga requested 15 days to gather more evidence. Danga specifically cited health concerns as a reason for needing the extension.
Speaking to the media after the proceedings, Chairman Kailash Verma detailed the MLAs' defenses. "Banawat claimed during questioning that the sting video was edited," Verma stated. "She revealed that she has urged the Chief Minister that the whole matter be investigated by the CBI. She sought an investigation into all the money released from the MLA-LAD fund in the last two years." Verma added that the committee might summon Banawat's husband if needed.
Regarding Congress MLA Anita Jatav, Verma said she completely distanced herself from a recommendation letter featured in the sting video, asserting she had no involvement. "She requested the committee to investigate the incident. She has tabled some documents and sought seven days to provide more evidence," Verma explained.
BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga, after his questioning, told reporters he was consulting his advisors. "I have presented my side of the story. Investigation is ongoing. Truth will prevail," Danga remarked.
Committee's Stern Warning and a Parallel Case
Chairman Kailash Verma issued a strong warning, emphasizing the committee's resolve. He asserted that the panel is fully empowered to take appropriate action against anyone found guilty of misconduct, which could include the potential expulsion of House members involved in corruption. "The committee will not tolerate or spare anyone if corruption has occurred," Verma stressed.
In a related development, the Ethics Committee is also handling the case of Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaykrishn Patel, who was arrested in a separate bribery case earlier in May. Patel has been issued a notice to appear before the committee on December 24.
The reporter behind the original sting operation has also been summoned by the committee. The panel has demanded that the journalist provide all relevant material and evidence related to the allegations against the three MLAs, setting the stage for a deeper probe into the misuse of development funds.
