Jaipur (Rajasthan): BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena was briefly detained and released after he hoisted a flag of Meena community on the ramparts of Amagarh fort in Jaipur amid prohibitory orders on Sunday. He was later booked by the police under Section 332 and Section 353 of IPC. The MP had unfurled the tribal flag at the monument which has been a centre of dispute between the members of the Meena community and Hindutva organisations. After his release, Kirodi Meena along with his supporters headed to the Gandhi Circle and staged a protest at JLN Marg demanding a written assurance by the government on the demands raised by him. The BJP MP later even handed over a representation to CM Ashok Gehlot against those who had removed the tribal flag and had placed a saffron flag.
The flag was unfurled on the rear side of the fort, by the tribal leader along with his supporters. Earlier, in June, tensions had flared up between the Meenas and Hindu organisations after a saffron flag atop the fort was removed by youths from the Meena community, allegedly led by independent MLA Ramkesh Meena. Following the incident cross FIRs were lodged at Jaipur's Transport Nagar police station on July 22.
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Heavy security force had been deployed at the fort following Kirori Meena's announcement on Sunday that he would visit the place. Meanwhile, Ramkesh Meena allegedly accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of interference by placing a saffron flag. To this, BJP leader Kirodi Meena retorted saying that Meenas are Hindu too and demanded action against Ramkesh Meena for trying to disturb harmony.
After the BJP MP had unfurled the white flag, Ramkesh Meena said he has no objection as long as the tribal flag is hoisted and not the saffron one. However, as soon videos and pictures of the BJP Rajya Sabha MP hoisting the flag surfaced on social media, police swung into action and took the MP into custody in a bid to stop the situation from escalating further. According to police, Kirodi Lal Meena was taken to the Vidhyadhar Nagar police station and talks were held, wherein the MP made certain demands, which include allowing tribals inside the Amagarh Fort to do worship at the Shiva Temple, as the citadel falls under the authority of the forest department.
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Anand Srivastava, the police commissioner of Jaipur city said that the BJP MP was not arrested but held briefly for having entered a prohibited forest area. On the other hand, ACP Rahul Prakash said that the BJP leader did not enter inside the fort and reached only up to its rear wall. "The MP was not arrested. Talks with him were held on the issue during which he has made certain demands," the ACP added. Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia and former chief minister Vasundhra Raje too condemned the police action against Kirodi Meena.
"Despite efforts being made for social harmony Dr Kirodi Lal Meena's arrest is unfortunate, he always strives for nationalist ideas and social harmony, so the action taken against him shows the petty mentality of the Congress government," Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia said.
