Rajasthan cabinet minister Kirodi Lal Meena’s recent meeting with the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) U R Sahoo in Jaipur has stirred political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition Congress. The meeting, which took place on Sunday, has raised questions about the dynamics between the government and law enforcement, with Congress leaders questioning why a minister would visit the top police official instead of summoning him for discussions.
State Congress in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa criticized the move, stating, “It is the first time that a cabinet minister has gone to meet the DGP with his demands. He could have summoned the DGP instead.” The opposition sees this as a deviation from protocol, sparking speculation about the minister’s influence over law enforcement.
During the meeting, Kirodi Lal Meena raised multiple issues concerning the police force and administrative matters. He claimed that police personnel were unable to celebrate Holi this year and urged the DGP to ensure that they are allowed to celebrate Diwali. He also advocated for the recognition of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Surinder Singh as a martyr. Singh had lost his life while protecting Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma last year, and Kirodi Lal Meena demanded that his family be granted financial aid in acknowledgment of his sacrifice.
The meeting also revived discussions around the phone-tapping controversy in Rajasthan. Kirodi Lal Meena, who had previously accused the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of surveillance and phone tapping, reiterated his claims last month. Expressing his disappointment over the situation, he stated, “I had hoped that governance would change, and action would be taken against the corrupt under our rule. However, I am disappointed. CID is monitoring me, and my phone calls are being recorded. I have done nothing wrong, so I am not afraid.”
The opposition has seized upon this controversy, with Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jullie mocking Kirodi Lal Meena by pointing out that his resignation has been pending for eight months. State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra also took a jibe at the minister, remarking that Kirodi Lal Meena’s meeting with the DGP was an attempt to “change the narrative” in Rajasthan.
With tensions escalating over the phone-tapping allegations and questions being raised about the meeting’s intent, this development has further intensified the ongoing political discourse in Rajasthan. The controversy highlights the friction between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, setting the stage for heightened political debates in the state.
