Kirodi Lal Meena Challenges ACB: Arrest Me If Guilty In Bribery Case

Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena reached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) headquarters on Friday afternoon, creating a significant stir in the state's political landscape. The minister spoke candidly regarding the case involving the nominated director of the Seed Corporation and employees of the Agriculture Department who were recently apprehended by the ACB. During his visit, Meena issued a bold challenge to the investigative agency, stating that if he's found guilty in the ongoing investigation, he should be arrested immediately, while however, he added that if he's innocent, the ACB must issue a public clarification to clear the air and resolve the confusion among the public.

Wait at the ACB Headquarters

Dr. Kirori Lal Meena arrived at the ACB headquarters at 4:15 PM and waited to meet the Director General (DG). At that time, the DG wasn't present at the headquarters. The minister's decision to personally visit the agency's office stems from the confusion surrounding a bribery case that has recently come to light, involving officials associated with his department, while he expressed his dissatisfaction with how the investigation is being handled and the impact it's having on his reputation.

Questions Over the FIR Mentions

The primary reason for Meena's visit was the mention of certain titles in the First Information Report (FIR). He questioned the ACB regarding the FIR filed on June 8 following the arrest of Jugal Kishore, the then independent director of the Seed Corporation. Meena pointed out that the FIR mentions a Doctor and a Minister. He stated, "You know that I am a doctor and I am a minister. " He expressed deep distress over the allegations being leveled against him by Congress leaders like Govind Singh Dotasra, whom he accused of looting the state, while meena insisted that if he's the person referred to in the FIR and is guilty, he should be arrested now to prevent future claims that no action was taken because he belonged to the ruling party.

Allegations of Political Pressure on ACB

Minister Meena accused the ACB of acting as a political weapon and working under pressure to defame him. He described the recent developments and the way news was leaked as a "vile attempt" to tarnish his reputation, while he cautioned the ACB not to cross the Lakshman Rekha in such sensitive matters and to maintain professional boundaries. Meena claimed to be aware of how certain reports were being planted in the media to target him politically, suggesting that the agency is being used as a tool for character assassination.

Highlighting Other Pending Investigations

During his interaction, Meena also raised concerns about the lack of progress in other major corruption cases, while he mentioned a scam in the Rajasthan State Warehousing Corporation, noting that the corporation's chairman had written 7 letters to the ACB requesting an investigation. He pointed out that despite the passage of 2 years, from 2024 to 2026, the matter has been stalled under the guise of a primary inquiry. Plus, he highlighted a case from Rampur Panchayat in Mandrayal, Karauli district. 75 crore worth of work actually completed. Meena stated that despite writing to the ACB DG about this, no FIR has been registered yet, questioning the agency's seriousness in such matters.

Opposition Reacts to Internal Rift

The incident has provided ammunition to the opposition. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took to social media to state that Meena's press conference at the ACB headquarters has exposed the internal discord within the BJP government. Gehlot questioned whether the Agriculture Minister is directly accusing the Chief Minister of framing him. He stated that it's now the Chief Minister's responsibility to clarify whether the minister is involved in the bribery case or if the ACB, which operates under the CM, is framing him. Similarly, PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra questioned why the minister is so agitated, remarking that those who used to sling mud at others are now questioning the system, agencies, and the Chief Minister when faced with scrutiny themselves.