BJP Dalit Leader Shanti Swaroop Sonkar Claims Threat to Life from Party MLA Swami Prabaktanand Jayadrath

A Dalit leader from the BJP staged a protest at the district magistrate's office, alleging threats to his life from a party MLA. The MLA dismissed these claims, suggesting the leader seeks attention. Shanti Swaroop Sonkar, head of BJP's Scheduled Caste Morcha in Pilibhit, led the protest with supporters. He accused Barkheda MLA Swami Prabaktanand Jayadrath of threatening him over a dispute about an RSETI center in Kalyanpur Naugawan village.

Sonkar, whose wife is the village head, alleged that the MLA is trying to benefit his relatives through the RSETI center's construction. He claimed the MLA is helping them illegally occupy village land. Sonkar also accused the MLA's relatives of cutting down valuable trees on his property. He demanded an open meeting to gather villagers' opinions, asserting most locals support the center's construction.

MLA Denies Allegations

In response, MLA Prabaktanand denied all accusations, stating, "I have never even spoken to Shanti Swaroop Sonkar. His accusations are baseless and false." He suggested that Sonkar is acting under someone else's influence for publicity. The MLA emphasized that the center's construction is due to his efforts and will benefit everyone.

The district magistrate assured an investigation into Sonkar's claims. District Magistrate Sanjay Singh confirmed that the sub-divisional magistrate Sadar has been assigned to investigate the matter thoroughly. The land for the RSETI center was provided by the village through the Rural Development Department.

RSETI Center Construction Details

The RSETI center in Kalyanpur Naugawan village is being built under the Barkheda Assembly constituency at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore. The project aims to provide training and employment opportunities for rural residents. Displaced residents will be rehabilitated soon, ensuring no villager faces issues due to the construction.

Sonkar expressed concerns about potential violence due to the MLA's actions, fearing for his safety. Despite these tensions, he remains hopeful that administrative intervention will resolve the situation fairly. The ongoing investigation will determine if any wrongdoing occurred in allocating land for the RSETI center.

This incident highlights internal conflicts within political parties and their impact on local development projects. As investigations proceed, authorities aim to ensure transparency and fairness in handling such disputes.