Bribe Bombshell: Rajasthan MLA Nabbed While Pocketing ₹20 Lakh to Drop Assembly Questions
Rajasthan MLA Caught Taking ₹20 Lakh Bribe to Drop Assembly Questions: ACB Makes Historic Arrest
In a shocking political scandal that has rocked Rajasthan, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishn Patel for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh. The bribe was reportedly taken to drop three questions in the Assembly related to mining activities.
A Historic First for Rajasthan ACB
According to Ravi Prakash Meharda, Director General of the ACB, this is the first time in Rajasthan’s history that a sitting MLA has been arrested in a corruption case. Patel, 38, was caught red-handed at the MLA quarters in Jaipur’s Jyoti Nagar, making the event even more sensational.
Who is Jaikrishn Patel
A New Face Now Tainted by Corruption
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Constituency: Bagidora (ST), Banswara district
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Party: Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP)
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Position: First-time MLA, elected during 2024 bypolls held alongside Lok Sabha elections
Patel had come into politics with a promise of representing tribal issues but is now in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Inside the Bribe Deal: ₹10 Crore Demand Settled at ₹2.5 Crore
The Secret Deal Exposed
The ACB revealed that Patel had allegedly demanded ₹10 crore from a complainant to withdraw three Assembly questions related to mining. After negotiations, the amount was settled at ₹2.5 crore.
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₹1 lakh was initially paid during verification in Banswara.
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On Sunday, Patel was caught while accepting ₹20 lakh in cash at his Jaipur residence.
The Escape Twist
As soon as Patel received the cash, he handed it to an associate who fled with the money, evading the ACB trap. The identity of this man is still unknown, and the ACB is actively questioning the MLA to track him down.
How the ACB Pulled Off the Trap
A Sting Operation with Audio and Video Evidence
The ACB claims to have audio and video recordings proving the MLA demanded and accepted the bribe. These recordings are expected to strengthen the case for conviction.
Role of Assembly Speaker
The Speaker of the Rajasthan Assembly was informed before the operation. His permission was taken, after which the sting was executed.
“The complainant went to the MLA quarters and handed over a bag with cash. The MLA checked the cash and gave it to a man accompanying him. That’s when we moved in,” – ACB DG Meharda.
Political Fallout: BAP Reacts, Congress Slams BJP
BAP’s Uncertain Stand
Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) convener and Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat expressed caution:
“We are verifying facts. If the MLA is found guilty, we’ll take strict action. But we suspect it could be a BJP conspiracy.”
BAP currently holds 4 seats in the 200-member Rajasthan Assembly.
Sachin Pilot Speaks Out
Former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot of Congress condemned the corruption but also accused the BJP-led Centre of misusing investigating agencies.
“No one is above the law. But the misuse of ED, CBI, and Income Tax departments for political vendetta is real,” Pilot said.
He pointed to the Supreme Court’s remark that ED’s conviction rate is only 1%, questioning the fairness of recent crackdowns.
Why This Matters: Mining, Power, and Political Greed
The Real Issue Behind the Bribe
The questions Patel allegedly wanted to drop were about mining operations—a sector often riddled with corruption, illegal activities, and political interference in India.
The mines in question were reportedly outside Patel’s own constituency, raising further questions about his involvement and motives.
The Bigger Picture: Bagidora’s Political History
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The Bagidora Assembly seat was earlier held by Congress leader Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, who switched to the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
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This switch created an opening, allowing Patel from BAP to win the bypolls.
Now, that very seat is again in the news—but for corruption.
What’s Next
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The ACB is searching for the accomplice who fled with the ₹20 lakh.
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Patel will likely face legal proceedings and possible disqualification.
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BAP may suspend or expel him if found guilty after their internal review.
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Opposition parties may use this to corner the ruling BJP in the state for alleged political targeting or systemic corruption.
The arrest of Jaikrishn Patel is more than just a bribery case—it’s a window into the murky overlap between mining, politics, and money power in India. It also puts smaller regional parties like BAP in the spotlight and raises deeper questions about transparency, accountability, and political ethics.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Rajasthan politics is set for a stormy season.
