Politics in Madhya Pradesh has intensified following the conviction of Datia Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti by a Delhi court in a 28-year-old cooperative bank fraud case. Bharti, along with co-accused Raghuvir Sharan Prajapati, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and using forged documents related to irregularities in a fixed deposit at a cooperative bank. Both were sentenced to three years in prison and fined, with a window for appeal granted.
The conviction led to immediate action by the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Secretariat, which terminated Bharti’s membership and declared the Datia Assembly seat vacant in compliance with the court’s order. The Election Commission was also notified to prepare for a by-election as a result of the court’s decision.
Congress leaders protested the swift action taken against Bharti, accusing the BJP government of political bias and misuse of power. They highlighted the contrasting treatment of opposition and ruling party members in similar legal situations, questioning the timing and fairness of the Assembly’s actions.
Senior Congress leaders criticized the government’s alleged selective enforcement of rules, particularly in comparison to cases involving BJP members or defectors. Bharti, who plans to challenge the court’s verdict in a higher court, acknowledged the ruling and expressed readiness to contest the decision legally.
The disqualification of Bharti has reduced the Congress’ representation in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly to 64 members out of 230, further fueling the political tensions in the state.
