Rajasthan MLA Fund Commission Scandal: Party Expulsions Loom, Speaker May Act

Jaipur: Political turmoil is escalating in Rajasthan over the MLA Fund Commission scandal, following a sting operation by a media group that allegedly exposed three legislators demanding commissions from funds allocated under the MLA fund. The revelations suggest that these lawmakers recommended diverting lakhs of rupees in return for kickbacks—a first-of-its-kind public exposure in the state. Both the Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker have ordered investigations, while BJP and Congress have issued notices to their respective legislators.

Party Action: Expulsion Possible

The legislators caught in the controversy include BJP’s Rewant Ram Danga, Congress’s Anita Jatav, and independent MLA Ritu Banawat. BJP state president Madan Rathore has issued a notice to Rewant Ram Danga, requiring a response within three days. Similarly, under the directions of Congress state in-charge Sukhjinder Randhawa, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra has asked Anita Jatav to submit her explanation.

If the parties remain unsatisfied with the responses, they may expel the legislators, effectively removing them from party membership.

Speaker’s Powers: Membership Can Be Revoked

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has taken the matter seriously, directing the Petitions and Ethics Committee to investigate and submit a report promptly. The committee, comprising 12 members including chairman Kailash Chand Verma (BJP, Bagru), will hold meetings to examine all aspects of the case. Other members include Abhimanyu Poonia, Ganesh Ghogra, Jaydeep Bihani, Sukhwant Singh, Jethanand Vyas, Balamukund Acharya, Bhagwana Ram Saini, Motiram, Virendra Singh, Hansraj Patel, and Rajendra Gurjar.

Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Speaker has the authority to revoke the membership of any MLA found guilty. Importantly, the Speaker’s decision is final and cannot be challenged in any court, including the High Court or Supreme Court.

Next Steps

The investigation and committee recommendations will now determine the future of the implicated MLAs. The scandal has triggered intense political debate and could significantly impact the legislative landscape in Rajasthan.