Minister Ranjana Baghel slaps tribal woman

The state minister Ranjana Baghel slapped a tribal woman and threatened her when she asked the minister about non-fulfilment of the promises made by Baghel earlier.

Baghel had gone to Palasi village near Manawar (Dhar district) for election campaign of her husband Mukam Singh Kirade when the woman, Ganga Bai, 35, questioned her on loan waivers.

But the minister was so stung by the query that she hit the tribal woman. This shocked the villagers. Police did not register an FIR initially but when the Congress leaders led by Jamuna Devi reached the police station, the case was registered.

Baghel was booked for causing hurt to a woman and threatening her. Congress leaders said that they would raise the issue of mistreatment with the woman and the arrogance of the minister.

Ranjana Baghel looks after Women and Child Development department. She also has charge of social justice department. She had earlier promised to waive farm loans up to Rs 50,000 when she was contesting election but this remained an announcement.