Raj minister slaps colleague in quarrel over teachers’ transfers

Two BJP ministers in Rajasthan were involved in a scuffle on Friday after a heated argument over the transfer of teachers, according to a witness.

Minister of state for health Banshidhar Bajiya went to the residence of state education minister Vasudev Devnani on Friday morning seeking the transfer of some teachers from his constituency. Devnani refused Bajiya’s request, a person present at the meeting said.

A heated argument ensued between the two. Then Bajiya abused Devnani and also pushed him, said this person, who was not willing to be identified.

“Devnani had already agreed to transfer of 175 teachers from Bajiya’s constituency, but he had come up with fresh demands. There was a heated argument after Devnani refused to agree to fresh demands,” a BJP leader said requesting anonymity.

Devnani refused to comment. Bajiya could not be contacted as his cell phone was switched off. Officials in Bajiya’s office also refused to comment.

BJP media cell in-charge Anand Sharma confirmed that there was a heated argument between the ministers over the transfer of teachers but denied that Bajiya had slapped Devnani.

BJP’s Rajasthan in-charge, Avinash Rai Khanna, spoke to both the ministers over phone, people familiar with the matter said. Khanna, however, refused to speak about the incident.

The incident comes on the heels of the resignation of MLA Ghanshyam Tiwari from the party on Monday.

“This is an unfortunate incident. It shows the extent of corruption in transfers of teachers. It seems that the ministers only care about self interest and are not bothered with public interest,” said Rajasthan Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma.

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