Jaipur, May 29 (IANS) The BJP‑RLP standoff seems to have turned serious as the state government on Friday reduced security provided to Nagaur MP and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) chief Hanuman Beniwal.
Following the withdrawal of three Personal Security Officers (PSOs) attached to the Jaipur Police Commissionerate, Beniwal targeted the state government, asserting that he had never sought security and that thousands of youths across Rajasthan were sufficient to protect him.
Addressing the issue, Beniwal said that during the controversy surrounding the Sub‑Inspector recruitment examination, the then intelligence officer Sanjay Agarwal had arranged security cover for him. According to Beniwal, commandos armed with AK‑47 rifles were deployed from Jaipur, while additional security personnel were assigned from Nagaur. He stated that a total of eight security personnel had been deployed for his protection, four from Jaipur and four from Nagaur.
Beniwal explained that two personnel stayed at his residence, two remained on rest duty, and four accompanied him at all times. He said he had been told that he had challenged several powerful groups, including the sand mafia and paper‑leak syndicates. “Now that the government has withdrawn the security, I want to make it clear that I never even asked for it,” he added.
He further said the Bhajanlal government need not worry about his safety, claiming that thousands of youths across the state stand with him and are capable of protecting him.
Beniwal also questioned the government’s decision, asking why security had been provided initially and on what grounds it had now been withdrawn. The Nagaur MP additionally levelled allegations against the government over recent protests and law‑and‑order issues.
Referring to an agitation held in support of sadhus (religious ascetics), he claimed the government wanted him to enter Jaipur so he could be detained along with the protesters. He further alleged that certain elements attempted to disturb the atmosphere during the Eid celebrations and sought to draw him into controversy. However, Beniwal claimed he acted with restraint and ensured that the situation did not escalate. “The government wanted to create conflict and tension in Jaipur, but we resolved the issue beforehand and ensured communal harmony remained unaffected,” he said.
Notably, the state government on Friday withdrew the three PSOs from the Jaipur Commissionerate who had been deployed for Beniwal’s security. Following the decision, his security cover will now primarily consist of personnel from Nagaur district police. The move has triggered discussion and speculation in political circles.
–IANS
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