MP Congress slams BJP over MLA's disqualification, alleges autocracy

MP Congress chief Jitu Patwari condemned the disqualification of Datia MLA Rajendra Bharti following a court conviction, calling it an undemocratic act by the BJP. He expressed faith in the judiciary for Bharti's reinstatement.

Congress Criticises MLA's Disqualification

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Friday strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the disqualification of the party's Datia MLA Rajendra Bharti following his conviction by a Delhi court, alleging that the move reflects an erosion of democratic values in the country.

The state assembly secretariat issued a notification on Thursday, stating that Bharti, who was elected from the Datia constituency, has been disqualified from the membership of the House with effect from April 2, after being convicted in a fraud case.

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court convicted Congress legislator Rajender Bharti and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh in relation to a Gramin Bank fraud case.

Following the disqualification, PCC chief Patwari said, "The common citizen in the country is repeatedly raising their voice that the RSS and BJP have destroyed the fundamental spirit of democracy. The BJP is pushing the country towards monarchy. Monarchy does not have just one form; it exists in many forms. In such a system, the electoral process is merely used as a tool for people to think and understand in the country, while the rest is run in a dictatorial manner. Its example is that the court gave directions and allowed 60 days' time for further appeal. The intent of the court was that within 60 days, he (Rajendra Bharti) could approach for justice."

The Congress leader highlighted that they had faith in the judicial process and Bharti would become an MLA again. "In such a situation, keeping the Assembly functioning at night and carrying out this kind of undemocratic act reflects what is being called 'New India' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In public life, the fundamental principle is that autonomous institutions should deliver justice, but the government exerts pressure on them to act in this manner. We have faith in the court. Rajendra Bharti will become an MLA again; we trust the judicial process," Patwari added.

BJP Defends Disqualification, Cites Law

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang said that the court sentenced Rajendra Bharti to three years of imprisonment. Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates that any MP or MLA convicted of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more is disqualified from the House.

"You do corruption and get convicted, leading to disqualification, and still you make unnecessary claims. How did Patwari reach the state assembly? Is he an MLA? Why didn't he take LoP alongside? The way Patwari tried to influence and intimidate officials, a case of obstructing government work should be filed against him. The actions taken against Rajendra Bharati are justified and in accordance with the court's decision, the constitution, and the law," Sarang said. (ANI)

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