Rajasthan's Forest and Environment Minister, Sanjay Sharma, has escalated the demand for transparency in the state's political arena. On Tuesday, he called for a sweeping, impartial investigation into the MLA development funds of all 200 legislators in Rajasthan. This demand comes in the wake of a recent media sting operation that exposed alleged commission-taking and corruption involving three sitting MLAs.
Demand for a Comprehensive, Not Limited, Probe
Minister Sharma emphasized that the issue of potential misuse of local area development (LAD) funds should not be confined to just the few individuals caught in the sting. He insisted on a comprehensive probe to ensure transparency across the board. "A high-level committee comprising the chief secretary, the director general of police, and vigilance officials has been formed, and the matter has also gone to the Ethics Committee," Sharma stated. He reiterated that judicial action must follow wherever evidence demands it, and an impartial committee should scrutinize the funds of every legislator in the state.
Reinvestigation Sought in Divya Mittal Bribery Case
In a related push for accountability, Sharma also commented on the state government's recent decision to give a clean chit to RPS officer Divya Mittal in an alleged bribery case. The minister argued that the matter warrants a fresh look. "In a case where corruption money amounting to around Rs 2–3 crore reportedly surfaced later, the government should re-examine the Divya Mittal bribery case and take action strictly on the basis of investigation," he told reporters. His comments indicate a stance for stricter follow-up in corruption allegations even after initial inquiries.
Accusations and Development Highlights in Alwar
Sharma, who is also an MLA from Alwar, did not shy away from local politics. He accused the Leader of the Opposition from Alwar rural, Tikaram Juli, of obstructing a crucial plan to bring water to Alwar city from the Siliserh Dam area. "Juli himself lives in Alwar city with his family and needs water like everyone else, yet he is opposing the project. He should support the plan in the larger public interest," Sharma said.
The minister was speaking to the press after inaugurating a photo exhibition at the Information and Public Relations Office in Alwar. The event marked the completion of two years of the state government, and a book highlighting its development works was also released.
On the development front, Sharma listed key initiatives and made significant announcements for the Alwar region. He confirmed that work on the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) would soon begin in Alwar, which will ensure water supply to Jaisamand Dam. Furthermore, he revealed that a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared to bring water from the Chambal River to the area, hinting at a major announcement for Alwar in the near future.
