BJP Kota MLA suspended for threatening official

The BJP on Friday suspended a party MLA from Rajasthan for threatening and abusing a state health official over the transfer of a male nurse.

On the directions of BJP chief Amit Shah, the central leadership conveyed to state party chief Ashok Parnami on Saturday that Kota (North) MLA Prahlad Gunjal be suspended with immediate effect as the party was embarrassed over his uncivilised conduct.

Gunjal was caught on tape threatening and hurling choicest of abuses to Kota district Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr R N Yadav. The senior health officer applied for voluntary retirement against “mental harassment”.

“The central leadership has decided to suspend the BJP legislator from the party. We had submitted a detailed report of the incident, which included apology letter and reply submitted by Gunjal,” said Parnami. Parnami said that the matter will now be referred to the disciplinary committee of the party which will study the case to decide whether suspension is to be converted into expulsion.

The incident came to light when an audio message by Gunjal misbehaving with Yadav went viral on Thursday. Gunjal had called Yadav on his mobile phone and pressurised him to transfer a male nurse.

During the conversation, Gunjal used abusive words and threatened Yadav. Yadav reported the matter to the police following which security has been provided to him at his residence and office.

Yadav has also alleged that the male nurse whose transfer was being sought is facing a departmental inquiry for embezzlement of 2,000 antibiotic tablets. Despite being aware of this, Gunjal was adamant on the transfer.