Political Uproar as Madhya Pradesh MLA Disqualified After Conviction

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified from the legislative assembly following a conviction for tampering with bank records for illegal interest payments. The move sparked political controversy, with Congress leaders alleging a breach of the democratic process. Bharti has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti faced disqualification from the state legislative assembly after being convicted for forging bank records to secure illegal interest payments, officials announced. His removal has ignited a political controversy, termed a 'blatant violation of democratic process' by opposition leaders.

Vidhan Sabha authorities nullified Bharti's membership from the Datia seat post-conviction. Despite a Delhi court granting Bharti 60 days to appeal, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar reportedly took swift action, terminating his membership at midnight. This has been criticized as government pressure and a violation of due process.

The case involved tampering with documents to extend interest payments illicitly between 1998 and 2011, a charge Bharti has contested as politically motivated. Nonetheless, a Delhi court ruled against him, imposing a three-year sentence and a fine, while Congress plans to appeal the decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)