Congress MLA Babu Jandel Announces Reward for Thief Who Stole Rival's AC Unit
In a bizarre incident highlighting intense political rivalry, sitting Congress MLA Babu Jandel from Sheopur has publicly announced that he will handsomely reward the thief who managed to steal the outdoor air conditioning unit from the residence of his closest BJP rival, Durgadas Vijay. The announcement was made on Friday, adding a sensational twist to an already unusual theft case.
Theft Incident and MLA's Controversial Statement
The theft occurred in the wee hours of Thursday at the house of former BJP MLA Durgadas Vijay in Sheopur. According to police reports, the culprit allegedly entered through the back door and stole the AC's outdoor unit. A case has been registered at the Kotwali police station, and authorities are actively searching for the suspect.
MLA Babu Jandel, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back in his comments to reporters. "The thief did the right thing. If I happen to meet him, I will reward him handsomely," Jandel declared. He elaborated, "The thief should be rewarded as he dared to steal from a high-security residence. It is heartening to know that the outdoor fan of the air conditioner was stolen from his (Vijay's) residence. If the thief ever comes to me, I will felicitate him and hand him a reward."
Political Context and Criticism of Government
Jandel used the incident to launch a sharp critique against the state government, linking the theft to broader issues of law and order. "I thank the thief. He showed the ground reality under this government by stealing from the residence of a former BJP MLA," he stated. The Congress MLA further argued that "criminals are enjoying a free run and striking with impunity, exposing the total law-and-order failure in the state."
The political rivalry between Jandel and Vijay dates back years. Vijay was first elected as MLA from Sheopur in 2003, defeating Congress candidate Brijraj Singh Chouhan. However, since 2013, Babu Jandel has emerged as his nearest electoral rival, facing off against him in the 2018 and 2023 assembly elections, making their contest a focal point in the constituency.
Jandel's History of Controversial Actions
This is not the first time Babu Jandel has made headlines for unconventional behavior. In September 2023, he celebrated his birthday by posing with a live snake hanging around his neck, drawing widespread attention. More recently, in October 2024, he was at the center of a major controversy after using derogatory language against Lord Shiva, sparking outrage and debate.
The current incident underscores the deep-seated political tensions in Sheopur, with Jandel's remarks blurring the lines between personal rivalry and public commentary on governance. As police continue their investigation, the case has ignited discussions on political decorum and the state of security in the region.
