JJM Scam: ED Granted Prosecution Approval Against Congress Leader Mahesh Joshi by Governor

Jaipur, January 9, 2026: Legal troubles are mounting for former Rajasthan Cabinet Minister Mahesh Joshi in connection with the alleged Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. Governor Haribhau Bagde has granted approval for prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, clearing the way for further legal proceedings.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating the case, had earlier arrested Joshi on allegations of money laundering linked to irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission. ED claims that during the period when the alleged irregularities occurred, Joshi was serving as the Minister for Water Resources and his role is under scrutiny.

Joshi had been taken into custody by the ED on April 24 last year, in connection with financial transactions related to the scam. After nearly seven months in Jaipur Central Jail, he was released on bail in December 2025.

The defense team, however, has consistently rejected ED’s allegations. During a previous Supreme Court hearing, Joshi’s lawyers argued that the original FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) did not include his name. They also contended that the ED’s claim of him receiving ₹2.01 crore lacks concrete evidence.

With the Governor’s approval for prosecution under PMLA now in place, judicial proceedings are expected to accelerate. The investigation into Joshi’s alleged involvement in the JJM scam is likely to remain in the spotlight, both politically and administratively, in the coming days.