The BJP government's much-publicised promise of "zero tolerance against corruption" has once again become the subject of political debate after RLP chief and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal alleged that the investigation into the high-profile Yojana Bhawan cash-and-gold recovery has lost momentum.
The recovery of ₹2.31 crore in cash and nearly one kilogram of gold from the basement of Rajasthan's Yojana Bhawan emerged as a major political issue during the Assembly elections. At the time, the BJP, then in the Opposition, accused the Congress government of presiding over a major corruption scandal and pledged strict action if elected.
More than a year after forming the government, Beniwal has questioned why there has been little public information regarding the progress of the investigation.
Addressing Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Beniwal alleged that the BJP's aggressive campaign on the issue during elections has been replaced by "mysterious silence" after assuming power.
Five Questions Raised
Beniwal demanded answers to five key questions:
Who owned the ₹2.31 crore cash and nearly one kilogram of gold recovered from the Yojana Bhawan basement?
Which influential individuals or senior officials were allegedly linked to the recovered assets?
What conclusions has the investigation reached so far?
Why has the pace of the investigation reportedly slowed after the BJP came to power?
Is the government protecting influential individuals by remaining silent?
Call for Transparency
Beniwal said the people of Rajasthan have the right to know whose cash and gold were found inside a government building. He argued that raising the issue during elections but failing to disclose the investigation's findings after assuming office could undermine public confidence.
He urged Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to personally clarify the status of the probe and make all findings public.
Government Yet to Respond
As of now, the BJP government has not publicly responded to Beniwal's latest allegations. The renewed political attack is expected to revive debate over one of Rajasthan's most controversial corruption cases and increase pressure on the government to disclose the status of the investigation.
