BJP MLA accuses Raj minister of having 'connection' with 'anti-nationals'

Jaipur: BJP MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari today demanded the resignation of Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunus Khan, accusing him of "being connected with the anti- nationals", who recently raised "pro-Pakistan" slogans in the state. He also urged Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje to sack the minister if he did not resign. "A local office-bearer of the party (BJP), who enjoys the protection of the minister, was present when the slogans were being shouted.

If the chief minister fails to take action against the minister, the central leadership of the BJP should intervene," the Sanganer MLA told a press conference here. On June 2, some persons allegedly shouted slogans such as "Pakistan zindabad" (long live Pakistan) near the Nagauri gate in Didwana town of Nagaur district, while returning from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's (SDM) office.

Tiwari demanded a thorough investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incident. He said it was a "sensitive" issue, which was related to "patriotism" and not politics, adding that he would visit the town tomorrow to inquire about the incident. Khan, the Didwana MLA, did not respond to repeated calls. According to the Station House Officer (SHO), Didwana, Jitendra Singh, a case was lodged on June 8 after a video of the incident went viral on the social media and three persons were arrested subsequently.

Chirag Pathan (19) was arrested on Saturday, while Mohsin Tank (25) and Mohammad Sameer (24) were arrested today under sections 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language), 153B (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.