Jaipur: Cabinet minister Kirori Lal Meena Friday challenged Nagaur MP and RLP chief Hanuman Beniwal to provide evidence for his corruption allegations, vowing to resign if proven guilty.Beniwal accused Meena of protecting illegal sand mining activities and financial impropriety. Meena expressed regret over the exchange of words with Beniwal Thursday. He said, “His allegations have upset me, but this distress will fade in a few days. I can do many things, but I cannot indulge in corruption. Some of my comments were made in a moment of frustration and should not be misinterpreted,” he said, while talking to mediapersons in Jaipur. He added that Beniwal’s remarks regarding financial impropriety in sand and fertilisers are misleading and troubling. Regarding Beniwal’s claim that he took Rs 200 crore from CM Gehlot, Meena said: “I have been fighting against Gehlot for five years and have not met him even once during this period. The public will judge such claims on their own. I do not have that kind of money to respond to daily statements, and I consider defamation action unnecessary.” Meena reiterated his pivotal role in getting the 2021 SI exam cancelled, asserting that all evidence he submitted was verified by the Special Operations Group (SOG). He alleged that three former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) members were involved in malpractices and claimed he submitted evidence against them to the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt. “I have presented evidence against three chairpersons and three members of RPSC. All three should be arrested. The RAS exam paper was leaked. Those who became RAS officers fraudulently should be removed from their positions,” Meena said. He assured that new evidence will be provided to the SOG to ensure further action against those involved. “I initiated the SI exam paper leak investigation and am emotionally attached to this issue. New facts will be shared with the SOG, which will ensure that some major culprits are caught. One SOG officer, Mohanlal Poswal, was transferred to Baran, but I do not consider that sufficient action,” he added. Meena also addressed the chief minister and senior govt officials, urging them not to appeal the high court decision. He added that upon taking charge as minister, he already demanded the cancellation of the exam and is taking strict action against fraudulent fertiliser and seed operations.
