The scrutiny of Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Pratima Bagri’s Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate has entered a crucial phase. The State-Level Scheduled Caste Scrutiny Committee has summoned her to appear on July 6 with original documents and supporting evidence. Bagri is required to prove her family’s residency in Satna district in 1950 and her belonging to the Bagri Scheduled Caste community.
The committee is investigating the validity of Bagri’s caste certificate, which she used to contest the Raigaon Assembly constituency election reserved for Scheduled Castes. This inquiry follows the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to complete the verification process fairly and make a decision based on the rules.
A petition filed by Congress leader Pradeep Ahirwar has challenged the authenticity of Bagri’s caste certificate. The petition alleges that she wrongly claimed reservation benefits by contesting from a reserved seat and becoming a minister. The controversy has sparked political tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with the latter questioning the certificate’s legitimacy and demanding action.
The committee, as per the notice issued on June 30, may request additional documents or clarifications before reaching a final decision. The outcome of this scrutiny holds legal and political significance, particularly regarding the eligibility of a sitting minister elected from a Scheduled Caste reserved constituency.
