MLA Raises Alarm Over Threatening Calls Linked to Assembly Question
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Keshav Desai has alleged that he received threatening phone calls from the owner of a private hospital in Gwalior, pressuring him to withdraw a question scheduled to be raised during the upcoming state assembly session, slated to begin on March 10.
Desai, who represents the Gohad constituency (a Scheduled Caste-reserved seat) in Bhind district, has officially submitted a question regarding the functioning of the hospital. Following the alleged threat, Desai has written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, seeking immediate action against Dr Amit Yadav, the hospital owner implicated in the controversy.
"I have written a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav requesting action against hospital owner Dr Amit Yadav," Desai stated. He expressed concerns over his safety as well as the well-being of his family members.
Alleged Threat Linked to Infamous Murder Case
Desai claimed that on February 26, he received a call from Ankit Yadav, who subsequently connected him to his brother, Dr Amit Yadav. Dr Yadav allegedly confronted Desai over the question scheduled for the assembly session and insisted that he withdraw it. Upon Desai's refusal, Dr Yadav purportedly issued threats, explicitly referencing the high-profile 2009 murder of former Gohad MLA Makhanlal Jatav.
The following day, on February 27, Ankit Yadav allegedly contacted Desai again, pressuring him to send a letter to the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior, clarifying that no such question would be raised in the assembly. Upon declining again, Desai alleges he was warned of dire consequences and told he was "risking his life."
Desai Seeks Intervention from Top Officials
The first-time MLA confirmed his intentions to meet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the Director General of Police (DGP) to address the threats. He also mentioned informing senior Congress party leaders regarding the situation.
Hospital Owner’s Family Denies Allegations
In response to these serious allegations, Ankit Yadav firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating that neither he nor his brother, Dr Amit Yadav, had issued threats or misbehaved with Desai. Ankit accused the MLA of being manipulated by former Congress MLA Govind Singh, who he claims is determined to "ruin the family."
Ankit challenged the MLA to provide evidence of the alleged threats, saying, "If he has proof or recordings of our conversation, he should present them to the police. I did call the MLA, met him in Bhopal, and we spent some time together, but no threats or misbehaviour occurred."
The case has garnered attention, especially given its alleged link to the historic murder of Makhanlal Jatav, who was killed in 2009 while returning from a political event.
Authorities have yet to formally respond to the allegations, and further developments are awaited as the assembly session approaches.