BSP MLA to file appeal in SC

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Aug 3 (UNI) Bahujan Samaj Party leader Lal Sai Khunte today said he will file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the Chhattisgarh High Court order declaring null and void his election to the Assembly from Malkharod constituency in 2003.

Meanwhile, Mr Khunte filed an application in the High Court seeking stay of the order given by Mr Justice Vijay Kumar Shrivastava on Tuesday till the apex court gave its verdict. The High Court had rejected his nomination paper and ordered fresh elections.

Mr Khunte's election on a thin margin of 837 votes was challenged by defeated BJP candidate Nirmal Sinha, who contended that Mr Khunte had not mentioned in his nomination paper the fact about his conviction for two years 15 years ago on the charge of cheating and misappropriation.

Mr Khunte said on a false complaint by his opponents, he was convicted by the Additional Magistrate of Sakti in 1991 and later the sessions court stayed it. The sessions court, in its final verdict on July 25 this year, exonerated him from all charges.

Mr Sinha, when contacted, declined to comment.

UNI XC-SP 1546