Why This Dalit DGP’s Short Tenure Has Sparked a Major Political Debate in Rajasthan?

Jaipur- In a historic first, on June 12, the BJP government in Rajasthan appointed Dr. Ravi Prakash Mehrada, a senior IPS officer from the Dalit community, as the state’s Acting Director General of Police (DGP)—a move seen as a bold political statement ahead of key elections. But with his 20-day tenure set to end on June 30, a storm is brewing.

Dalit organizations, retired IPS officers, BJP leaders, and social activists are now pushing hard for an extension of Dr. Mehrada’s term, arguing that his short stint undermines the symbolic importance of his appointment. Petitions, emails, and social media campaigns are flooding the desks of PM Modi, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, and BJP’s central leadership, turning this into a high-stakes political dilemma.

Who is R.P. Meharda? A Look at the IPS Officer

Dr. Ravi Prakash Meharda, a 1990-batch IPS officer and Jaipur native, holds a degree in Economics. Born on June 13, 1965, he joined the Indian Police Service after being promoted from the Rajasthan Police Service. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served in various key positions, including IG of Kota, DIG of CRPF, and DG of Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Meharda has previously served as the president of the Ambedkar Welfare Society, Rajasthan. By appointing Meharda—who has strong influence among Dalit communities—as the acting DGP, the Bhajan Lal government has played a major political move to consolidate Dalit support in the state.

Sources reveal that Meharda himself was initially reluctant to take up this responsibility and had expressed his reservations to bureaucrats as well as the government. Despite this, the BJP strategically went ahead with the decision, announcing his name as part of a well-planned political maneuver. The move sent shockwaves through political circles, delivering a subtle yet powerful blow in the state's political landscape.

Why the Uproar?

The BJP’s strategic move to appoint a Dalit as Acting DGP was seen as a political masterstroke to consolidate Dalit support. However, the short 20-day tenure has left the community dissatisfied. Many argue that extending Dr. Mehrada’s term would reinforce the BJP’s commitment to social justice, while failing to do so could alienate Dalit voters ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections and the 2028 state polls.

The state government has already sent a panel of seven senior IPS officers to the Centre for DGP selection. From these, three names will be shortlisted, and the final appointment will be made by the state. Meanwhile, Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules allows for a three-month extension with central approval—a provision that supporters are urging the government to utilize.

Retired IPS Jaswant Sampatram, President of the Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Welfare Society, has written to the CM, advocating for an extension.

BJP leaders like Sharda Yadav (Etawah) and former Bikaner candidate Gopichand Meghwal are lobbying in favor of Dr. Mehrada. Advocate Bundi Tribal Society leader and Nagar Palika Narayna Chairperson Savitri Devi have submitted memorandums to the CM.

If the BJP denies the extension, it risks losing Dalit support, which could prove costly in future elections. However, if the government grants an extension, it may strengthen the party’s outreach to marginalized communities. With pressure mounting from all sides, the BJP faces a tightrope walk—balancing administrative norms against political expectations.