Sat Jun 28 00:14:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Former BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena, convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for threatening an official with a revolver in 2005, has filed a mercy petition with the Rajasthan Governor. His Assembly membership was terminated after the High Court upheld his conviction. This has sparked a political row, with the opposition Congress accusing the ruling BJP of double standards and misuse of power. Civil rights groups also condemned the attempt to pardon Meena. However, the Law Minister defended the petition as a constitutional right, stating that the Governor will review it according to legal provisions.

**News Article:**

**Rajasthan: Disqualified BJP MLA Seeks Governor’s Pardon, Sparks Political Storm**

**JAIPUR, June 28, 2025** – Former BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena, recently disqualified from the Rajasthan Assembly following a conviction and three-year sentence for a 2005 crime, has filed a mercy petition with Governor Haribhau Bagade. The move has ignited a political firestorm between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, along with strong condemnation from civil rights groups.

Meena’s disqualification followed the Rajasthan High Court’s upholding of his conviction for threatening a Sub-Divisional Magistrate with a revolver during a protest in Jhalawar district. The Congress party has accused the BJP of “political duplicity,” arguing that initiating the process for remission of Meena’s sentence signifies a double standard in the application of the law. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully asserted that the BJP appeared to operate under one set of rules for its members and another for the general public.

Civil rights organization Soochna Evum Rozgar Adhikar Abhiyan has demanded an immediate halt to the pardon process, calling the attempt to save Meena a “clear instance of misuse of power” that undermines the justice system and sets a dangerous precedent.

Despite the criticism, Law Minister Jogaram Patel defended the filing of the petition as a constitutional right afforded to every convicted person. He stated that the Governor will review the petition according to legal provisions and make a decision accordingly.

The Governor’s office has requested a report from the State government on Meena’s petition, prompting local police officials to gather opinions on the matter.

The Anta seat, vacated by Meena’s disqualification, will be subject to a by-election within six months, although the Election Commission has yet to announce a date. The political drama surrounding Meena’s fate continues to unfold, raising questions about ethical standards and accountability for public representatives in Rajasthan.

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