Rajasthan Minister seeks FIR against Dotasra over fake OBC certificates
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Kirodi Lal Meena has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, alleging that Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra and his relative Rameshchand Punia fraudulently obtained OBC certificates to avail reservation benefits in state services. Meena has demanded the registration of an FIR and a high-level investigation into the matter.
Key Allegations Against Dotasra and Punia
According to Meena's letter, Dotasra's son Avinash was selected in the RAS-2016 examination under circumstances the minister describes as irregular. Meena alleged that Avinash received 85 marks in the interview round — a figure critics contend was disproportionately high — which contributed to his final selection.
Meena further alleged that Rameshchand Punia and members of his family secured OBC reservation benefits on the basis of forged documents, and that Punia's children were subsequently selected in state services under the disputed certificates.
The Interview Scoring Controversy
Meena cited the case of candidate Garima Jindal, who reportedly secured the highest written examination score of 425 marks in the RAS-2016 exam but was awarded only 25 marks in the interview. In contrast, he alleged, Avinash Dotasra received 85 marks in the interview despite a lower aggregate written score, ultimately making the final selection list while Jindal did not.
The minister alleged that former members of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) had acknowledged the existence of external pressure in recruitment processes — a claim that, if substantiated, would point to systemic interference in competitive examinations.
What the Minister Is Demanding
Meena has urged Chief Minister Sharma to order an impartial, high-level investigation and to ensure prompt action to restore transparency and accountability in state recruitment. He stated he is prepared to furnish evidence to investigating agencies if called upon.
Describing the alleged irregularities as a direct assault on the rights of deserving candidates — particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds — Meena framed the issue as one of social justice, not merely political rivalry.
Political Fallout and Response
The allegations have ignited fresh political controversy in Rajasthan, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) have been at loggerheads over governance and recruitment integrity. As of the time of reporting, neither Govind Singh Dotasra nor the state government had issued an official response to the allegations.
With the state's recruitment processes already under scrutiny following past RPSC controversies, the demand for an FIR adds another layer of political pressure ahead of upcoming local elections.