Rajasthan: Independent candidate arrested for slapping SDM

In Rajasthan, Independent MLA candidate Naresh Meena was arrested following high drama and violence on Thursday, a day after he slapped an SDM during polling in Tonk district and set in motion differing protests from both his supporters and Rajasthan Administrative Service officials. The police had to use mild force on his supporters. After the arrest of Mr. Meena, the situation in the village remains tense but under control. Work across government offices in the state was hit in the morning with officials of the RAS Association and allied services going on a pen-down strike demanding that Meena be arrested.

#WATCH | Tonk, Rajasthan: Supporters of Naresh Meena set fire on the state highway outside Samravata village, to protest against this arrest. pic.twitter.com/NU5lX2OP3I

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2024

Congress leader and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday took a hit at the ruling BJP government over the law and order situation in the state following the assault on a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) at a polling station in Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency. Talking to media  in Jodhpur, he said that the "credibility of police in Rajasthan has ended and that the law and order has collapsed in the state." Gehlot said, "We repeatedly tell the government to provide good governance so that the entire state benefits. The government should always take it positively. The state government should make reforms so that the public benefits and this is a democracy. The BJP should have the strength to tolerate criticism."
Meanwhile, Naresh Meena accused Congress MP from Tonk Harish Chandra Meena behind the whole incident. Naresh Meena also alleged that people were being forced to vote in the village.The independent candidate also said that the 60 people who were arrested are all innocent.