What began as a routine administrative decision on June 10—appointing Ravi Prakash Meharda (IPS:1991:RJ) as Acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Rajasthan—has now become a politically sensitive issue for the ruling BJP.
Meharda took charge after Utkal Ranjan Sahoo (IPS:1988:RJ) was appointed Chairman of the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC). At the time, Meharda’s appointment appeared procedural, especially since he was due to retire on June 30, giving him a brief 20-day stint. However, as his retirement nears, calls for an extension have grown louder—turning what seemed a temporary transition into a significant political flashpoint.
Dr. Meharda, a senior IPS officer from the Dalit community, now finds himself at the center of a broader campaign. Dalit organizations, retired IPS officers, BJP leaders, and social activists are rallying for an extension of his tenure. They argue that his short term as DGP undermines the symbolic importance of his appointment, which had been viewed as a powerful gesture toward Dalit inclusion in top administrative positions.
Supporters have mounted an aggressive outreach effort—flooding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and the BJP’s central leadership with petitions, emails, and social media campaigns. Many view Meharda’s appointment as a political masterstroke by the BJP, aimed at consolidating Dalit support. But the brevity of his tenure has left many in the community feeling sidelined.
Interestingly, sources reveal that Meharda himself had initially expressed reluctance to accept the top post, citing the short duration and limited impact. Despite this, the state government proceeded with his appointment, reportedly as part of a strategic political move.
Meanwhile, the state government has already forwarded a panel of seven senior IPS officers to the Centre for the permanent DGP selection. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will shortlist three names from the panel, and the final decision will rest with the state government.
However, Rule 16 of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules allows the government, with central approval, to grant an extension of up to three months. Supporters of Meharda are urging the government to invoke this rule, citing both administrative continuity and community sentiment.
As June 30 approaches, the BJP finds itself walking a fine line—balancing bureaucratic norms with political optics, particularly at a time when identity politics and symbolic representation hold increasing significance in the public discourse. (By- Rajeev Singh)
Also Read: Rajasthan: Ravi Prakash Meharda appointed Acting DGP
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