Rajasthan sand mining scam spells more trouble for Congress ahead of 2014 elections

New Delhi: There was ruckus in Rajasthan Assembly on Wednesday after IBN Network exposed favouritism by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in granting mining leases to his relatives. Fearing disruption and political embarrassment, Gehlot agreed to a probe led by the opposition leader.

The matter reached Parliament as well. The BJP gave a notice for discussion on the issue which was rejected in Rajya Sabha. The party will give notice again on Thursday.

While what has happened in Rajasthan is not something new, nepotism and favouritism by people in power have been a part of the Indian polity for long. Former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa used his official position as Chief Minister of Karnataka to favour his sons in the allotment of land in Bangalore. Assets of Mulayam Singh Yadav's sons multiplied when he was the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

IBN7 has exposed favouritism by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in granting mining leases to his relatives.

Similarly, Jagan Mohan Reddy amassed wealth through investments in his company during his father YSR Reddy's tenure as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Mayawati too is under the scanner for ushering benefits on her brother's real estate companies.

In election season, this will mean more trouble for Gehlot and the Congress party. The BJP is regrouping under Vasundhara Raje to regain power in the state. For Gehlot, whose trouble started with the Bharatpur riots in 2012, the IBN7 expose will make the going even more tough.

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