BSP MLA Kushwaha takes oath in Speaker's chamber

Newly-elected BSP MLA from Dholpur B L Kushwaha, wanted in a chit fund fraud case, today took oath of office and constitution in the chamber of Rajasthan Assembly Speaker here.

Speaker Kailash Meghwal administered the oath of office and constitution to Banwari Lal Kushwaha in his chamber as the session was adjourned yesterday till February 20, the sources said.

Armed with an anticipatory bail from the Rajasthan High Court, Kushwaha was accompanied by state BSP chief Bhagwan Singh Baba and other party members. Alleging that a 'political conspiracy' is going on against him Kushwaha told reporters that the rebels were jealous on his victory and wanted to blame his party (BSP).

However, he did not name anyone or party behind the conspiracy. "I was not at all 'bhagora' (absconder) as declared by the police, I had made my entry pass on January 20 on the eve of new assembly session but I fell sick and informed the speaker about my health", he said.

"There was some confusion or misunderstanding about my name with one Banwari Lal Modi who is probably wanted by the police of other state and not me", he clarified. 

Kushwaha was stopped by police outside the Assembly gate here yesterday when he tried to enter into the premises for taking the oath. Madhya Pradesh Police has been searching for the MLA since January 21 for his alleged involvement in a chit fund fraud case.

Kushwaha did not appear in the first session of the Assembly to take oath fearing police action. With the 60-day period to take oath about to get over, the MLA approached Rajasthan High Court yesterday for anticipatory bail which was granted.

"He was not arrested as he had interim bail", police said, adding there was a warrant against Kushwaha in a chit fund fraud case issued by Chattisgarh police. Earlier, a single bench of the Rajasthan High Court granted him transit bail for a period of seven days to appear before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

In his application, Kushwaha sought bail to move the MP High Court in the case. He also pleaded his liberty from arrest to enable him to take oath as member of 14th legislative assembly.