BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi row: The Madhya Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to its MLA from Pichhore, Pritam Lodhi, for allegedly making controversial remarks against a senior police officer. BJP state President Hemant Khandelwal has directed the legislator to respond within three days, deeming his conduct ‘highly objectionable,’ and in violation of party discipline.
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BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi[/caption]
Lodhi confronted SDOP Ayush Jakhar
Notably, the action taken by the party follows a video which went viral. In the video, Lodhi is seen confronting a Sub-divisional officer of Police (SDOP) Ayush Jakhar, questioning his authority and making provocative statements against him. His comments included a reference to Jakhar’s ‘daddy fiefdom’ and threats to mobilise a huge crowd to protest outside his (Jahkhar’s) residence drew flak from multiple sections.
The BJP leadership reportedly sought a detailed report from its state unit before issuing the notice, signalling a serious internal response to the row.
Incident prompted by road crash involving Lodhi’s son
For the unversed, the row erupted after Lodhi’s son, Dinesh, allegedly rammed into multiple pedestrians and a bike with his Thar SUV. The police then booked a case against him and seized the vehicle. Instead of de-escalating the tensions, Lodhi made provocative remarks, which intensified the heat.
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Dinesh Lodhi (Left) and Pritam Lodhi (Right)[/caption]
BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi row: IPS association writes to MP CM Dr Yadav
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian Police Service (IPS) Association has written to MP Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav, seeking strict legal action against Lodhi. They also termed Lodhi’s remarks an affront to the administrative machinery. Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including Umang Singhar, have also slammed the BJP, accusing it of shielding misconduct within its ranks.
Protests ensue in Shivpuri
Anger of the general public has spilled onto the streets, and groups such as Bhim Army staged protests in Shivpuri district. The Sahariya Kranti Sangathan has also warned of further agitation, calling Lodhi’s remarks unacceptable and offensive. However, Lodhi has distanced himself from the controversy, and claimed that the media distorted his statements, taking them out of context.
Also read: ‘If your dad has guts…’: Madhya Pradesh MLA clashes with cops days after son rammed 5 with Thar, injuring them