MLA’s disqualification in Madhya Pradesh brings Rajya Sabha math in focus

In Madhya Pradesh, the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajesh Bharti has opened a new flashpoint between the BJP and the Congress. Bharti was convicted in a cheating case by a court in Delhi and sentenced to three years in prison. Following the April 2 order, the State Assembly issued a proclamation late at night disqualifying him.

However, the court gave Bharti 60 days to appeal to a higher court. “The court gave him 60 days to appeal, but the secretariat was opened at night to pass a disqualification order. We also filed a case against one of our MLAs who was working against the party, but no decision was taken,” said MP Congress leader Jitu Patwari.

Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar maintained that the process followed due procedure and the next steps would be guided by the court orders.
This development has implications for the Rajya Sabha elections to be held in June, in which three parliamentary seats will fall vacant. While the BJP has two seats and the Congress has one, the Congress is running with a narrow margin. Congress MLA Mukesh Malhotra cannot vote due to a court order and Nirmala Sapre is unlikely to support the party. If Bharti cannot provide help in time, she too will not be able to vote. While the Congress still has an advantage, the party fears that possible cross-voting could tip the balance in favor of the BJP in the race for the third seat.