Jaipur, June 3 (IANS) The ongoing political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) in Rajasthan has taken a legal turn, with Nagaur MP and RLP convener Hanuman Beniwal serving a legal notice to State BJP President Ma Rathore over allegedly defamatory remarks made against him.
In the notice on Tuesday, Beniwal has objected to statements reportedly made by Rathore on public platforms and through the media, alleging that they have caused serious harm to his personal, social, and political reputation.
The RLP Chief has demanded a public apology and withdrawal of the remarks made by state BJP President Rathore.
According to the notice, allegations made without adequate facts or evidence are defamatory in nature and have the potential to create confusion and hostility within society.
Beniwal has contended that the statements have adversely affected his public image and standing.
The notice also said that individuals holding constitutional or public positions are expected to exercise restraint, responsibility, and decorum in their public conduct.
It alleges that the remarks were made for political gain and were misleading, provocative, and devoid of factual basis.
Beniwal has also claimed that the statements conveyed an incorrect message to the public and could contribute to tensions among supporters and various sections of society.
The notice warns that such remarks may attract legal consequences, including proceedings related to defamation.
The development comes amid an escalating war of words between BJP and RLP leaders, with both sides trading sharp political attacks over recent issues in Rajasthan politics.
The legal notice is expected to further intensify the ongoing political confrontation between the two parties, political leaders said.
The standoff began during a late-night protest march against land acquisition near Jaipur, where Beniwal referred to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma as “moorkhadhiraj” (king of fools).
State BJP leaders, including Ma Rathore, condemned the remarks, labeling them indecent and a violation of democratic traditions. BJP workers also held protests and burned effigies of Beniwal in locations like Jodhpur.
In response to the friction, Rathore made statements calling for a social boycott of Beniwal
Beniwal immediately condemned the boycott call, asserting that not even Khap Panchayats are legally allowed to enforce social boycotts, and accused the BJP of crossing democratic boundaries.
arckhz
