The Rule of Law is the only rule applicable in BJP’s government and time and again the party reinforces it, reminding its cadre that no matter how powerful they are, the rule of law must always prevail. In a recent turn of events, BJP state unit is considering issuing a showcause notice to BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya for “misbehaviour in public”, and may take tougher action if prodded by the national leadership, which is very likely.
BJP National General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya’s son, MLA Akash Vijayvargiya had beaten up a civic official with a cricket bat during a demolition drive in Indore on June 26. In light of this incident, he was held in judicial custody, before he was granted bail on Saturday by a special court in Bhopal and was subsequently released on Sunday.
Akash Vijayvargiya was greeted with celebratory firing at his office in Indore after he came out of jail, which went viral. A case has been registered for the same. In light of this misconduct, senior BJP leaders, including state party president Rakesh Singh, national general secretary Ramlal, organising general secretary Suhas Bhagat and former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met on Wednesday to discuss the possible action to be taken against those leaders who have supported Akash Vijayvargiya and celebrated his release from jail.
PM Modi has himself condemned the inappropriate incident. He made it clear that Akash Vijayvargiya behaved in a way that was unacceptable and that suitable action needs to be taken against him. In the BJP Parliamentary Party meet in New Delhi, PM Modi stated, “If we have to lose an MLA, so be it. We have to set an example to prevent a repeat. Whoever it may be, whoever’s son he may be, such arrogance, misbehavior cannot be tolerated and action should be taken against them.” After the meeting, BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, “PM Modi today conveyed a clear message to all the party members that such behaviour is not acceptable, be it anyone.”
This is not the first time BJP leadership is taking such action against inappropriate actions or statements of the party leaders. Former BJP communication in-charge Anil Soumitra was suspended during the Lok Sabha polling on May 17 for calling Mahatma Gandhi the “Father of Pakistan”. The state unit sent him a showcause notice and suspended him from primary membership for six years. The unruly conduct by Akash Vijayvargiya is enough for him to face similar action.
MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, who is an MLA from Indore, should be given the fair opportunity to explain and defend himself. However, if the allegations are proven to be true and his behavior rendered unlawful or unfitting for a politician, then it is absolutely essential that the BJP leadership prudently takes suitable action against him. The government should set an example with the prevalence of law and order in the country, and no matter how powerful the individual is, he or she, like all citizens is within its purview.