Rajasthan: MLAs who are suspected of demanding a commission do not provide supporting documentation to the ethics committee
Rajasthan: Three MLAs were questioned by the Rajasthan Assembly’s Ethics Committee on Friday for allegedly requesting commissions from MLA development funding, but none of them were able to provide any supporting documentation.
Each of the three lawmakers refuted the accusations and requested more time to provide their supporting documentation. Each MLA made an individual appearance before the committee. Congress MLA Anita Jatav (Hindaun) and BJP MLA Revanthram Danga (Khinvsar) were questioned after independent MLA Ritu Banawat (Bayana).
All three insisted on their innocence when asked directly whether they had wanted commissions. But when they were challenged to provide proof for their assertions, they pleaded for more time.
The committee approved Revanthram Danga’s plea for 15 days, Anita Jatav’s request for 7 days, and Ritu Banawat’s request for 10 days.
They will now be called back on different dates.
Revanthram Danga claimed to be unwell and promised to answer any further inquiries after speaking with his advisors. Two days ago, the Ethics Committee, led by Kailash Verma, decided to call the three MLAs. After Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani referred the subject on Sunday, notices were subsequently sent out.
Twelve MLAs, including Chairman Kailash Verma, make up the Ethics Committee. During a sting operation, the three MLAs were reportedly seen on video negotiating fees in exchange for suggesting development projects using their MLA monies.
The sting claims that in order to get a contract for Rs 50 lakh, BJP MLA Revanthram Danga requested a 40% fee.
Ritu Banawat, an Independent MLA, reportedly engaged in discussions with her husband. Anita Jatav, a Congress MLA, is accused of accepting a symbolic payment of Rs 50,000. Kailash Verma, the chairman of the Ethics Committee, said that the committee will only write its findings after conducting more interrogation. He said that if necessary, the committee might even call in other people, such as Ritu Banawat’s husband.
Ritu Banawat, according to Verma, claimed the video was manipulated and called for a CBI inquiry. She also wanted all MLA fund distributions made in the previous two years to be examined.
While requesting seven days, Anita Jatav presented several papers and denied any connection to the letter, seal, or signatures seen in the sting.
In order to collect information and draft his answer, Revanthram Danga requested fifteen days.
The chairman went on to say that the committee will review all of the information before submitting a factual report to the Speaker of the Assembly, who would then determine what to do next.