Disqualification plea against RSD MLA rejected

Bhopal, Aug 11: Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ishwar Das Rohani has rejected a plea by Congress legislator Ramnivas Rawat who sought disqualification of Rashtriya Samanta Dal (RSD) MLA Harivallabh Shukla for contesting the 2004 general election from Guna on a BJP ticket.

The decision was taken yesterday after due consideration and hearing the submissions of both sides besides their advocates, a Vidhan Sabha spokesman said today.

''The petitioner has failed to provide concrete evidence,'' said Mr Rohani.

The speaker pointed out that Mr Shukla, who represents Pohri in Shivpuri district, had not left RSD ranks but contested against the Congress candidate on a RSD directive consequent to a RSD-BJP electoral understanding.

''There is no proof that Mr Shukla became an active member of the BJP. It was evident from the correspondence between RSD and BJP state and national presidents that neither Mr Shukla left the RSD fold nor became an active BJP member. He had only obeyed the party's directive and not acted voluntarily,'' Mr Rohani added.

Mr Shukla continues to be an RSD member and the party's floor leader in the assembly.

''He has not violated the provisions of the Anti-Defection Law to attract disqualification,'' Mr Rohani added.

During the recently-concluded monsoon session, the Congress generated a veritable bedlam -- forcing adjournments -- over the delay in handing down a decision on the more than two-year-old plea.

UNI