EC disqualifies Madhya Pradesh Minister Narottam Mishra
The Election Commission has disqualified Madhya Pradesh Minister Narottam Mishra for having filed wrong accounts of poll expenditure during the 2008 Assembly elections. He is currently the Water Resources and Legislative Affairs Minister in Shivraj Singh Chouhan's government. Mishra stands disqualified for three years; he cannot contest the 2018 Madhya Pradesh polls. His election from Datia Assembly constituency is also void.
The case: How it all began?
In 2009, Congress's Rajendra Bharti alleged Narottam Mishra adopted corrupt practices during the 2008 polls. He said Mishra didn't file details of expenditure on poll-related ads (paid news category). In Jan'13, EC served notice to Mishra, who moved Madhya Pradesh's High Court and the Supreme Court against the notice. He didn't get any relief; EC eventually came out with its verdict.
Rajendra Bharti, former MLA from Datia
Rajendra Bharti is a former MLA who was elected twice from Datia. In the 2008 and the 2013 Assembly polls, Bharti contested against Narottam Mishra from Datia and lost both the times. He filed the complaint of corrupt election practices against Mishra under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. Mishra is now reportedly exploring legal options against EC's verdict.
Setback for BJP in MP: AICC leader
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Legal, Human Rights and RTI Cell Chairman and Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha tweeted: "MP Minister Narottam Mishra disqualified for three years by poll panel for paid news in elections. Big setback for BJP in MP."
Congress, AAP demand for Mishra's resignation
Following EC's verdict, Congress demanded Narottam Mishra's resignation. Leader of Opposition in MP, Ajay Singh, said the case is proof for how BJP leaders are winning the elections. Aam Aadmi Party's Madhya Pradesh wing has also reportedly demanded the resignation of the Minister. Chief Spokesperson of BJP (MP) Deepak Vijaywargiya said the party will comment only after studying the EC's order.
About Narottam Mishra
Senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra is considered the second most powerful in Madhya Pradesh's cabinet, helmed by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He also holds charge of Public Relations Department. He was first elected to Assembly in 1990; he was later elected as MLA in 1998 and 2003. In 2005, he was first inducted as Minister in the then-CM Babulal Gaur's cabinet.
