Is BAP MLA Jaikrishn Patel Involved in a Bribery Scandal?

Jaipur, May 5 (NationPress) Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishn Patel, who serves the Bagidora constituency in Banswara district, has been placed under a two-day remand following his arrest in a bribery case. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully recovered Rs 20 lakh, which is allegedly tied to the bribe solicited by the legislator.

The ACB conducted a raid at Patel's home on Sunday, during which an individual reportedly fled the scene with cash. Patel was subsequently apprehended at his official residence located in Jyotinagar, Jaipur.

While the ACB has not specified the exact location where the money was found or who held it, they have confirmed that a forensic investigation is currently in progress.

CCTV footage from Patel’s quarters has been secured, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is examining the server room.

Earlier, Patel, along with his cousin, was presented in a Jaipur court and was placed under a two-day police remand. Outside the courtroom, Patel alleged that he is being unfairly targeted.

The ACB has questioned multiple associates of Patel, including his gunman, driver, office staff, and social media team, all of whom were released later that evening.

The controversy intensified after complainant Ravindra Singh accused Patel of demanding Rs 2.5 crore, threatening to leverage his influence over mining department officials to shut down Singh's mine.

Singh claimed that Patel warned him to make the payment by May 15 or face dire consequences, boasting that his political influence could overshadow even government authority.

The situation worsened when Patel reportedly withdrew questions he had submitted to the Rajasthan Assembly.

Speaker Vasudev Devnani criticized this action, calling it inappropriate, and stated that any decision regarding Patel's status as an MLA would depend on the court’s ruling.

This case has raised significant concerns about alleged corruption, intimidation, and the misuse of power by an elected representative.

Udaipur MP Dr Mannalal Rawat condemned the incident, branding the BAP as a party “born out of corruption and lies,” accusing its leaders of exploiting tribal communities for personal gain and demanding their removal from MLA positions.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot described the incident as “unfortunate” and urged voters to reconsider the type of leaders they elect, stating, “This is the first bribery case in the history of Rajasthan’s Assembly. It’s time to reflect on our political landscape.”