Rajasthan: BAP Forms 5-Member Committee to Probe MLA Jaikrishna Patel’s Bribery Case

Jaipur- In response to the unprecedented arrest of Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishna Patel on bribery charges, the party has constituted a five-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Patel, a first-time MLA from Bagidora (Banswara), on May 4, for allegedly accepting a ₹20 lakh bribe to withdraw assembly questions related to mining leases.

This marks the first time in Rajasthan’s history that a sitting legislator has been apprehended in a graft case, sparking a political firestorm. BAP has labeled the arrest a “political conspiracy” by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to tarnish the party’s image and curb its growing influence in tribal regions. Presently in police remand, Patel would be produced next, before the ACB court on May 7.

BAP’s national president, Mohan Lal Roat, announced the formation of the committee to probe the allegations against Patel. The committee comprises:

• Kantilal Roat, National Member, BAP

• Dr. Jitendra Meena, National Spokesperson, BAP

• Ramesh Chandra Maida, Rajasthan State President, BAP

• Umesh Kumar Damor, MLA from Aspur

• Dhawarchand Damor, MLA from Dhariyawad

A Historic Arrest

The ACB’s operation, conducted at Patel’s official residence in Jaipur’s Jyoti Nagar, was a landmark event in Rajasthan’s political history. According to ACB Director General Ravi Prakash Meherda, Patel allegedly demanded ₹10 crore from a mine owner, Ravindra Singh, to drop three assembly questions related to mining leases in Karauli’s Todabhim block. After negotiations, the deal was settled at ₹2.5 crore, with ₹20 lakh paid as the first installment. The ACB claimed to have audio and video evidence of the transaction and confirmed that a chemical test on Patel’s hands proved contact with the marked currency.

However, the cash was not recovered at the scene, as Patel allegedly handed it to an aide who fled. The ACB later recovered the ₹20 lakh, reportedly buried underground by a relative, Jaswant, who received it from Patel’s nephew, Rohit, through another associate, Jagaram. Patel and an alleged middleman, Vijay Kumar Patel, were arrested, and the ACB court granted a two-day remand for further questioning.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its historic nature. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani called the incident “unfortunate” and “painful,” emphasizing that the law would take its course but such situations should be avoided for any MLA, regardless of party affiliation. He noted that the court’s verdict would guide further action regarding Patel’s assembly membership.

A Political Ploy by BJP: BAP's Allegations

BAP has vehemently denied the bribery charges, alleging that the BJP orchestrated the arrest to undermine the party’s rising influence in Rajasthan’s tribal belt. In a post on X, party spokesperson Dr. Jitendra Meena accused the ACB of misleading the public. He claimed the ACB falsely stated it had informed Speaker Devnani before the arrest, while Devnani, in a media interview, clarified, “I was informed by the ACB only after the action was taken. No prior complaint was received.” Meena cited this discrepancy as evidence of a deliberate attempt to frame Patel.

Meena further highlighted legal concerns, pointing to Rajasthan Assembly Rules 232 to 235 and Article 194 of the Indian Constitution, which mandate that the Assembly Speaker be informed or permission obtained before an MLA’s arrest. He argued, “This shows how the MLA was deliberately trapped.”