In a significant development in Jaipur, independent MLA Ritu Banawat has firmly rejected allegations of bribery against her, just a day before she is scheduled to appear before the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly's ethics committee. The controversy revolves around a sting operation that allegedly showed MLAs accepting money for facilitating contracts under the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) funds scheme.
MLA's Firm Denial Ahead of Crucial Hearing
On Thursday, Banawat categorically stated that she neither accepted nor demanded any money. She expressed frustration at being implicated in the scandal despite her claims of innocence. "I will clarify my position before the committee. I neither took money nor demanded it, nor did I give any recommendation letter, yet my name was dragged into this," Banawat told the Times of India. She added that she is consulting with her lawyer and will take necessary legal steps following the committee's proceedings.
Summons for Three MLAs and State Probe
The ethics committee has summoned three legislators for individual questioning on Friday. Besides Ritu Banawat, the list includes BJP MLA Rewant Ram Danga and Congress MLA Anita Jatav. The summons were issued on Wednesday after Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani referred the matter to the committee on Sunday. The sting operation, conducted by a Hindi daily, purportedly captured the MLAs in the act of taking bribes. While Banawat has publicly responded, Danga and Jatav remained unreachable for comment on Thursday.
In response to the escalating scandal, the state government has also ordered a high-level investigation into the bribery allegations. This move underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter, which strikes at the heart of governance and the utilization of public development funds.
What Comes Next?
The focus now shifts to the ethics committee's hearing on Friday, where the three MLAs will be questioned separately. The committee's findings could have major political repercussions in Rajasthan. The simultaneous high-level probe ordered by the government indicates that this issue is being pursued on multiple fronts to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in the legislative process.
