The BJP on Friday suspended its Rajasthan MlA Prahalad Gunjal, who was allegedly caught on tape threatening and abusing a health official over the transfer of a male nurse after which the official sought voluntary retirement.
In the eye of a storm for his alleged threats to Kota district Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) RN Yadav, Gunjal expressed regret even as the medical officer applied for voluntary retirement protesting against "mental harassment" over the issue.
"I have applied for VR citing that I cannot work under tension and forceful situation like this," Yadav told PTI.
"I want an assurance from the Government to be allowed to work in a peaceful and congenial atmosphere, besides personal security," he said.
The doctor also said that the party action against Gunjal would boost the morale of the Government employees.
"As per the direction of party president Amit Shah, Kota (North) MlA Prahalad Gunjal is suspended with immidiate effect," BJP said in a statement.
In a note sent to Rajasthan BJP president Ashok Parnami and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Gunjal tried to control damage by expressing regret and claiming it was an "emotional outburst".
"I used some words which were not to be used. If my words have hurt anyone, or caused agony to anyone, then I regret it," Gunjal said.
"I have sent the letter of apology to the State party president, the Chief Minister and also the doctors’ unions and sought apology for my words and language," he told PTI.
Parnami said that the State BJP had received the MlA’s explanation on Thursday night and forwarded it to the party’s parliamentary board which after reviewing the entire episode took the decision to suspend him.
Parnami said the matter will now be referred to the disciplinary committee of the party which will decide the future course of action.