Congress MLA Disqualification Sparks Political Controversy in Madhya Pradesh

The disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti by Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar has ignited political tensions in the state. Citing adherence to a 2013 Supreme Court verdict, Tomar emphasized the legality of the decision, prompting criticism from the opposition.

According to Tomar, Bharti's membership was revoked following his conviction, where a special court in Delhi sentenced him to three years in prison for a cheating case. This action aligns with Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, which mandates disqualification for convictions of two years or more.

While the Congress termed the move a 'blatant violation of democratic process,' the Speaker defended the decision as strictly legal. Amidst allegations of late-night maneuvers, Tomar clarified the timing was due to required official work related to upcoming events at the Assembly Secretariat.