Budhni bypoll: Chouhan's election challenged in HC

Jabalpur, June 26 (UNI) A petition challenging Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's recent election as BJP candidate from Budhni assembly constituency was filed today in the High Court by his rival Congress nominee Rajkumar Patel.

Mr Patel alleged that Mr Chouhan indulged in corrupt practices, misused government machinery, violated the model code of conduct and contested the bypoll while occupying offices of profit in corporations and boards.

BJP MLA Rajendra Singh had vacated the seat in favour of Mr Chouhan who trounced Mr Patel by a margin exceeding 36,000 votes.

The Congress candidate later complained to the Election Commission of India. Noting that the EC even postponed polling by ten days, after taking cognisance of the matter, the plea added that 26 ministers were camping at Budhni in a clear affront to the code of conduct.

''BJP office-bearers and ministers organised several feasts in the constituency, prior to the byelection, without seeking the district administration's permission. The EC ordered transfers of the Collector and Superintendent of Police after finding that several complaints, against Mr Chouhan, had some basis,'' the petition added.

UNI XC SHB RS1901