JAIPUR: Gujarat MLA

Mewani was detained in Jaipur for over two hours after he landed in the city. He was on his way to Merta City in Nagaur district to attend an event to commemorate the 127th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, which fell on Saturday.

According to a letter issued by the police, Mewani is barred from addressing any public events or gatherings in Jaipur from April 15 to April 30 as it is feared that this could disturb the law and order situation.

However, in a statement issued to the press earlier on Sunday, Mewani said, “Today, immediately after I landed at the Jaipur airport, a few cops made me sign a letter saying MLA Jignesh Mewani’s entry is restricted in entire Nagaur district. I was going there to talk about Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the Constitution. This is violative of my fundamental rights. If they can do this to an elected representative, then what must be the condition of an ordinary citizen and Dalits in Vasundhara Raje rule?”

Dharmendra Jatav, who was hosting Mewani, said, “We had permission for the event we planned in Merta City. We were not informed until this morning that it could not be held. While seeking permission, we had mentioned that Mewani would be the prime speaker. When Mewani arrived at the airport, we decided that we could just go around the city, since we were asked not to leave for Nagaur. But even that was a problem, we were not allowed to leave the airport. It’s clear, this government is acting out of fear. Until the elections in about eight months, the government does not want any public meetings that will question its performance.”

Mewani appeared quite at ease, joking with the policemen that they should serve him some chicken or fish or some other high-protein meal as he was hungry and the wait for lunch had been quite long.

As word spread that he was not being allowed to leave the airport, media teams made a beeline for the spot. Eventually the police allowed him to enter the city, after asking him to keep them informed of his movements.