Statues of Gehlot, Dhariwal in Kota Museum Raise Eyebrows, Minister Terms Them Unethical

Rajasthans UDH Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra criticized the statues of former CM Ashok Gehlot and ex-minister Shanti Dhariwal in Kotas Chambal Riverfront Project museum, questioning their ethics and promising to investigate allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds.

In a recent development, Rajasthan's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) Minister, Jhabar Singh Kharra, has labeled the statues of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and ex-Cabinet Minister Shanti Dhariwal, constructed during the previous Congress government, as "unethical." These statues were placed in a yet-to-be-inaugurated museum of the Chambal Riverfront Project.

Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds

During his first visit to Kota after assuming charge as a minister, Kharra addressed the allegations of corruption and "misuse of public money" in the 1,442-crore Chambal Riverfront Project. He assured that the information related to these allegations will be thoroughly verified, and appropriate actions will be taken accordingly.

Response from Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) of Kota

Since the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) of Kota carried out the Chambal Riverfront Project, they were approached for a statement regarding the statues. UIT Secretary Man Singh acknowledged that the statues have already been made and are currently placed in the museum. However, they are awaiting directions from the newly formed state government on how to proceed with the matter.

Statues Installed in Yet-to-be-Inaugurated Museum

It is worth noting that three separate sets of statues have been installed in a yet-to-be-inaugurated museum in the Kota riverfront. These statues include Gehlot, former UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal with architect Anoop Baratia, and former officer on special duty RD Meena.

UDH Minister's Stance on Public Money

Speaking to the media, Kharra expressed his disapproval of constructing such statues using public funds. He emphasized that such actions are unethical and will not be sanctioned by an ethical government. The minister also mentioned that he will hold a meeting with officials to gather more information about the corruption charges associated with the project and determine the future course of action.

Meeting with Ex-MLA Prahlad Gunjal

Upon arriving in Kota, Kharra met with party leader and former MLA Prahlad Gunjal, who had previously raised concerns about corruption and misuse of funds in the Chambal Riverfront Project. Gunjal presented the minister with some documents that he claimed were related to allegations of "corruption and misuse of public money" by Dhariwal, who served as the UDH Minister in the previous Congress government.

The statues of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and ex-Cabinet Minister Shanti Dhariwal have sparked controversy due to allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds in the Chambal Riverfront Project. UDH Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra has taken a firm stance against such practices and has initiated steps to investigate the matter thoroughly. The outcome of these investigations and the subsequent actions taken by the government will be closely monitored by the public.