The Election Commission of India on Saturday debarred Madhya Pradesh Public Relations and Water Resources Minister Narottam Mishra, considered to be the man Friday of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh, from contesting polls for three years.
Mishra, who is also the spokesperson of the state cabinet, was disqualified by the EC for corrupt practices and “paid news” during the 2008 assembly polls.
The EC's decision came eight years after the complaint was first lodged by Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti. In its 69 page order issued in New Delhi, the Commission reprimanded Mishra for adopting delay tactics by going to High Court and Supreme Court.
The EC in its order held Mishra guilty of paid news and expenses above the permitted limit. The commission also held him responsible for corrupt practices.
Congress has demanded the resignation of the minister after the order, but the unfazed Mishra said, “There is no evidence of corrupt practices and paid news. I was not heard properly. My lawyer is studying the order and we will respond soon.”
“The order is regarding the 2008 elections and I have already won in 2013, which means that I have been acquitted in the court of public,” he added.
The decision to debar a minister has come as a jolt to the already fledgling government of Shivraj Singh. Mishra is considered a troubleshooter and very close to the chief minister.
State Congress president Arun Yadav, who demanded Mishra's resignation, said “Now, the secret is out about how the BJP won elections in the past in Madhya Pradesh.”
