The investigation into two major scandals during the reign of the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan is about to begin. One of them includes a scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the other is related to the Information and Technology Department. Both scandals were exposed by BJP’s senior leader and MLA Kirori Lal Meena. In this regard, preparations have been made to scrutinize all files related to these two cases as soon as the government is formed. Following signals from the Central Headquarters, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has initiated work on investigating corruption-related cases. In this regard, all files and correspondences related to these cases are being summoned to the CMO.
It is worth mentioning that in the DOIT scandal, additional chief secretary Akhil Arora and in the Jal Jeevan Mission scandal, additional chief secretary Subodh Agrawal were accused by Kirodi Lal Meena. Both officers are now under the target of the BJP government. Former Jalday Minister Mahesh Joshi will also come under scrutiny. In the case related to JEM, the Enforcement Directorate had also conducted raids, collecting crucial evidence. Now, the ED, along with the ACB, can also investigate this case.
ACB will also investigate with central agencies
For the investigation of both these scandals, central agencies, along with the ED, will also investigate with the CBI. The state government is planning to recommend this. In addition, the Anti-Corruption Bureau may also investigate on behalf of the state government. The ACB had sought permission from the Gehlot government after the names of officers came out after the cash was found in the Yojana Bhawan, but the government did not give permission. Based on the FIR registered by the ACB in this case, the ED had also taken action.
It is worth mentioning that in both scandals, IAS officers Akhil Arora and Subodh Agrawal were named. Both officers are considered close to former CM Ashok Gehlot. That is why the government did not permit the investigation. However, now the BJP government will investigate the roles of officers in both scams. If complicity is found in the investigation, strict action can also be taken. The reason is that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had clearly stated in the press conference held after taking the oath that work would be done on the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption.
BJP made it a big issue in their election campaign
It is worth noting that after finding cash of Rs. 2.31 crores along with one kilogram of gold from the almirah in the Yojana Bhawan, the Bharatiya Janata Party had made it an electoral issue. Along with the Central Scheme for Every Household Tap, the BJP brought this corruption into the Jal Jeevan Mission under the public domain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned both these scams in every election rally. In this situation, the responsibility has now come to the BJP government to expose these scams with facts.
