Rajasthan LoP Criticizes BJP for Raids on Former Minister
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Synopsis
Rajasthan's Leader of the Opposition, Tika Ram Jully, condemned the BJP for using central agencies against former minister Pratap Singh Khachriyawas. This raises concerns over political vendetta linked to investment fraud allegations involving PACL, impacting millions of investors.
Key Takeaways
- Political Vendetta: Allegations of the BJP misusing agencies.
- Investment Scandal: PACL involved in a major investment fraud.
- Public Outcry: Opposition leaders unite against perceived injustice.
- Historical Context: Similar tactics were used in 2020.
- Commitment to Democracy: Opposition vows to uphold rights.
Jaipur, April 15 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tika Ram Jully criticized the BJP on Tuesday following the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launching raids on former state minister Pratap Singh Khachriyawas.
“He (Khachariyawas) is vocally opposing the BJP government. Out of apprehension, the BJP has resorted to the misuse of central agencies once again. Such actions, motivated by political revenge, are strongly condemned,” stated the Rajasthan LoP.
The investigation pertains to a purported investment scam involving PACL, a company that functioned in the real estate sector in Rajasthan for 17 years.
Approximately 28 lakh individuals in Rajasthan have invested around Rs 2,850 crore in the firm. Nationwide, over 5.85 crore investors contributed about Rs 49,100 crore.
Numerous FIRs have been lodged against PACL across more than seven states, with the initial complaint filed in Jaipur.
Sources indicate that Khachariyawas’s suspected involvement in this matter relates to financial transactions in this case.
The Rajasthan LoP remarked that such strategies are not new to the opposition. “In 2020, a similar maneuver was employed to intimidate Khachariyawas,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas accused the BJP of engaging in the gravel scam, the IIFA scam, and the mining scam, yet no action has been taken against them by central agencies.
“I will not be intimidated by such tactics,” Khachariyawas asserted to the media.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also condemned the BJP, labeling the raid on the former minister's residence as unacceptable.
“During the attempt to destabilize the Congress government in Rajasthan, Khachariyawas was interrogated for 7-8 hours on 12 August 2020 by the ED, solely to harass him for his open dissent against the BJP. Because he is outspoken against the BJP government of Rajasthan, the ED has approached him once more,” the former Chief Minister remarked.
Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra also criticized the BJP administration, stating, “Because Pratap Singh Khachariyawas is posing tough questions regarding the 100 crore rupees spent by the BJP government on the IIFA event, which the Congress government had allocated for the temple corridor and the grandeur of the revered deity Govind Dev ji, he had to endure another ED raid,” he explained.
He added that Pratap Singh Khachariyawas is championing the people’s cause and holding the government accountable on various issues.
“Khachariyawas ji is the lion of Congress. He will not back down, he will fight valiantly and prevail. The BJP has turned the ED into its frontline organization,” the Congress state head declared.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot also expressed strong disapproval of the ED raid, stating that the action raises significant concerns regarding the Central government’s priorities.
“The way investigative agencies are being weaponized against opposition leaders clearly demonstrates a pattern of political vengeance. We firmly uphold democratic principles and remain dedicated to defending the Constitution. The Congress will persist in safeguarding the rights and voices of the people,” he said.
